Doug's Caesar Salad

When I go to friends homes for dinner I am often asked to bring my salad bowl and fixings. Here is my favorite.

In a blender mix the following ingredients: (This will give you a smooth and even dressing and hide the little bones in the anchovies that some find disconcerting.)

• 5 cloves garlic (Before putting garlic into the blender, slice in half removing the center core. This reduces the after taste of the garlic to a large extent. )
• 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1 can anchovies
• 1 tsp Worcestershire
• 1/4 tsp dry mustard
• 3 shakes of Tabasco sauce
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
  

Mix until you have a very smooth consistency.

Rinse and dry:

• 1 large head of romaine
• 1 head of bib lettuce
• 1 head of red leaf lettuce
  

Break into small pieces bite size pieces. Place in a very very large bowl. This makes it easier to mix and toss.

Add:

• 2 grated carrots
• 1/2 c black olives with out pits
• 1 large tomato chopped

Remove all seeds. This prevents salad from becoming too watery. Mix all vegetables well. Pour dressing over salad and mix well.


Add garlic croutons

I prefer mine made from French bread covered with a olive oil and garlic sauce. Sauce is made from 2 cloves minced garlic and 1/2 a cup of olive oil with a dash of oregano and basil. Spread this on with a pastry brush and cut into little cubes. I brown this in the oven for 10 minutes until crisp at 400 F.

Grind freshly ground pepper over salad.

I always put the freshly grated parmesan cheese in a bowl on the side. Some people like a lot and some people ,like me, are lactose intolerant..

I never use an egg in my sauce. Again some people do not like the thought of the raw egg and I personally do not like to take chances with salmonella..

Things to add to enhance this hearty salad:

• Canned Salmon
• Canned Tuna
• Grilled Chicken
• Sliced Grapes
• Mandarin Oranges
• Avocado
• Olives (Black, Green or Greek)
• Nuts-walnuts or pecans
  

Place salad on chilled plates and dig in.

Serves 5.