Caesar Salad and Homemade Caesar Salad Dressing

Ingredients

• 4 cups hearty day old bread, torn into 3/4-inch pieces
• 2 Tbsp olive oil
• 2 large Romaine hearts, chopped
• 1/4 cup finely shredded parmesan
• 3/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1 1/2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 tsp dijon mustard
• 1 tsp Worcestershire
• 4 anchovies packed in oil, drained, minced then mashed
• 1/4 cup finely grated parmesan
• 2 garlic cloves, minced, 2 tsp
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Directions

1. Heat the oven to 375 degrees F. Arrange the bread pieces close together on a rimmed 18 by 13-inch baking sheet, drizzle the olive oil over them slowly and evenly, and toss until coated. Spread the bread out across the pan.
2. Bake until the pieces are crisp and golden, turning them once midway through, about 15 – 20 minutes total.
3. While the croutons bake, whisk the mayonnaise, lemon juice, dijon mustard, Worcestershire, anchovies, garlic and 1/4 cup parmesan in a mixing bowl. Add salt and pepper to taste; a small pinch of salt may be plenty, along with about a scant 1/2 tsp pepper.
4. Put the lettuce in a large bowl. Add the dressing and toss until the leaves are evenly coated, then mix in the croutons and the remaining parmesan.
5. Serve the salad right away.