Caesar Salad without the egg

Being pregnant I’ve had to learn to really adjust my diet and take a closer look at things whereas before I didn’t think twice about it. I love Caesar salad’s, but many of them are made with raw egg which I can’t have right now. If eating out I don’t trust restaurants enough to take the chance so I like to make the things I’m missing out on at home where I know exactly what’s in it. This recipe really hits the spot and it comes together really easy.

Caesar Salad
(Adapted from Ree Drummond)

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Salad Dressing:

4 whole anchovy fillets
2 tablespoons (and up to 3 tablespoons) Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon balsamic or red wine vinegar (balsamic makes it nice and rich)
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
2 cloves fresh garlic, peeled
1/2 whole lemon, juiced
1/2 cup olive oil
1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan
1 dash salt
Freshly ground black pepper

Croutons:

1/2 loaf crusty French bread
1/4 cup olive oil
2 cloves fresh garlic, peeled
Salt

Salad:

Hearts of romaine lettuce
Fresh Parmesan wedge

For the dressing: Place the anchovies into a blender or food processor. Throw in the Dijon mustard, vinegar, Worcestershire, garlic and lemon juice.

Pulse the processor or blend on low speed for several seconds. Scrape down the sides.

With the food processor or blender on, drizzle the olive oil into the mixture in a small stream.

Scrape down the sides. Add the Parmesan, salt and a generous grind of black pepper.

Pulse the whole thing together and mix until thoroughly combined. Refrigerate the dressing for a few hours (it just gets better!) before using it on the salad.

For the croutons: Slice the bread into thick slices and cut them into 1-inch cubes. Throw them onto a baking sheet.

Heat the olive oil in a small saucepan or skillet over low heat.

Crush-but don't chop-the garlic and add them to the oil. Use a spoon to move the garlic around in the pan. After 3 to 5 minutes, turn off the heat and remove the garlic from the pan.

Slowly drizzle the olive oil over the bread cubes. Mix together with your hands, and then sprinkle lightly with salt. Toss and cook in the pan until golden brown and crisp. (Add a little butter for more flavor!)

For the salad: Wash and dry the hearts of romaine lettuce. Leave them whole. Use a vegetable peeler and shave off large, thin slices of Parmesan.

Drizzle about half of the dressing over the top of the hearts. Throw in a good handful of the Parmesan shavings. Give it a good initial toss, just so you can evaluate how much more dressing you need.

Add more dressing and Parmesan to taste. Add the cooled croutons. Toss gently.