Recipe: Grandma Simone's Caesar Salad (using lemon, anchovies and Parmesan)

GRANDMA SIMONE'S CAESAR SALAD

"The Casillo family version of the famous salad created in 1924 at Caesar's Place in Tijuana, Mexico, by Italian immigrant and restaurant owner, Caesar Cardini. Grandma's is better."

FOR THE SALAD:
1 garlic clove, cut in half
4 slices Italian bread, toasted
1 head romaine lettuce
3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
FOR THE DRESSING:
3 anchovy fillets in oil, chopped
1/4 cup olive oil
1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
Juice of 1/2 lemon

Rub one garlic half gently over the toasted bread. Cut the bread into bite-sized pieces; set aside.

Rub the remaining garlic around the inside of a large salad bowl.

To make the dressing, mash the anchovies in the bowl with a fork. Beat in the olive oil, vinegar, and lemon juice.

Tear the lettuce into individual leaves and add to the bowl with the dressing. Toss the leaves until coated. Sprinkle the Parmesan and toasted garlic croutons over.

TONY'S TIP FOR SPICING UP SALADS:
Whether you are making a green or mixed salad, turn it into something special with some herbs. Try adding chives, cress, watercress, parsley, fennel, or even a couple of basil leaves.

Makes 4 servings
Source: Tony Casillo's Family Cookbook by Tony Casillo