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Saturday, March 27, 2010

Caesar Salad and Dressing Recipe

I love to try out Caesar Salads at good restaurants to see if they actually make the dressing themselves or just use bottled.
I have been known to cheat sometimes but when I take the time to make my own, it is just so much better than any you will find in a bottle.
I have used the traditional recipe here but if you want it a little bit creamier, add a couple of tablespoons of light sour cream to it when blending. It is just that little bit more delicious.
For a more substantial meal, I put chicken in mine. You can use a barbecued one from the supermarket. I like to use fresh breasts. Slice them fairly thinly and dip in egg and cajun breadcrumbs. Fry very quickly in shallow peanut or olive oil for just a couple of minutes on each side. Remove from pan and place on paper towels to absorb the oil. When cool, place over salad.

INGREDIENTS:

2 baby cos lettuces
4 - 5 rashes rindless bacon - chopped
1 tablespoon good virgin olive oil ( I use the light flavour one)
small can anchovies
50g shaved parmesan cheese
4 hard boiled eggs
sea salt and fresh cracked black pepper (optional)

METHOD:

Separate the lettuce leaves and wash thoroughly in cold water. Dry with a clean tea towel, making sure that remove any wilted bits. You can either leave the leaves whole or cut them in half lengthways and then across once.
In a frypan, heap the oil and fry the bacon until lovely and crisp. Remove and place on paper towels to absorb any oils left on. When cool, mix with anchovies and cheese through the lettuce.
Make your dressing and pour over salad. Halve or thickly slice the boiled eggs and place over the top of salad with a little extral shaved parmesan cheese on top. Season with salt and pepper if prefered.

DRESSING:

2 eggs
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
1 garlic cloved - crushed
1 - 2 anchovies - chopped
2 teaspoons red wine vinegar
1/2 cup good olive oil
1 teaspoon worcestershire sauce
2 tablespoons lemon juice
sea salt and fresh cracked black pepper to taste
2 tablespoons light sour cream (optional)

METHOD:

Bring some water to the boil in a small saucepan. Put eggs in and only boil for 1 minute. Remove immediately and run under cold running water until cooled down. Remove shells.
In a small mixing bowl or glass jug, mix the all the ingredients apart from the olive oil. Combine well and while whisking, add the oil, a little at a time in a steady stream so it combines together well. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
If you are adding sour cream to it, you add it to the ingredients from the start of mixing.

CROUTONS:
Any bread can be used but I love to use Turkish bread as it is just a lovely variation. Slice into 6 - 8 mm slices. Mix a little olive oil infused with crushed garlic. Brush lightly over both sides of the turkish bread and place oven at 180C for about 12 - 15 minutes or until lovely and golden. Remove from oven and cool before adding to salad.