Brad’s Authentic “Italian Caesar” Salad

Brad’s Authentic Sicilian Caesar Salad

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1/2 cup light salad oil
• 3 tbsp. red wine vinegar
• 1/2 tsp dry mustard powder
• 1/2 lemon (juiced)
• 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 tsp fresh ground or cracked pepper
• 1 whole egg plus one egg white
• 1 can of olive oil packed anchovy fillets (reserve oil)
• 1 can or bottle of high-quality olive oil packed anchovy fillets
• a dash of hot sauce (Crystal brand Louisiana hot sauce is what I use)
• 4-6 cloves of fresh garlic (peeled and grown
• 1 large head Romaine Lettuce
• 8 cherry tomatoes
• 15-20 garlic Parmesan croutons
• fresh grated Parmesan cheese

Procedure:

Add the vinegar, lemon juice, mustard powder, Worcestershire, black pepper, eggs, anchovies with oil, hot sauce and garlic into a blender and purée until smooth.  With a lid of the blender still on, remove the small handle on top of the blender lid and insert a funnel.  With the blender running on the high setting, slowly, very slowly, drizzle the oil through the top performing an emulsion until very thick.  Should be the consistency of loose mayonnaise. Taste the dressing and add salt and pepper to taste.  Remembering, anchovies are quite salty.

Watch the lettuce and tomatoes and dry thoroughly.  You may want to refrigerate the produce before introducing the dressing, croutons and cheese.

Tear the lettuce in large pieces.  You can leave the tomatoes whole or slice them in half.  Place the desired amount of dressing in the bottom of a salad bowl with the croutons and tomatoes.  Place the lettuce on top and toss thoroughly.  Grate fresh Parmesan cheese over the salad and serve on salad plates.  Top with fresh ground black pepper.

This Caesar salad can be eaten as a side dish or a appetizer before the pasta entrée is served, or can be featured as a meal with garlic or French bread served with it.  It is also the perfect medium for grilled chicken or perhaps sautéed or grilled prawns.  It’s really quite delicious and can be a great lunch or dinner.

Note: To add a real “Sicilian” touch to your Caesar; Lay a few anchovy fillets on the side of each plate with a wedge of fresh lemon next to them. Anchovies add a real depth of flavor to Caesar salads and lemon slices a special contrast of freshness. Hardcore Caesar lovers will be impressed.