Recipe: Houston's Southwest Caesar Salad and Spicy Cesar Dressing (copycat) (repost)

SOUTHWEST CAESAR SALAD
Source: Houston Chronicle
From: Terry,Tx 6-18-1998
Board: Cooking Club at Recipelink.com
Servings: 4

2 heads romaine lettuce -- washed and torn
1 1/2 cups Spicy Caesar Dressing
3/4 cup cooked black beans
3/4 cup roasted corn kernels
Red Chile Croutons
1/2 cup pumpkin seeds (pepitas)
1/2 cup cotija cheese (Mex. white cheese) or
other queso fresco
SPICY CAESAR DRESSING:
1 egg yolk (see note)
1 tbl minced garlic
2 tsp Dijon mustard
2 anchovy fillets -- minced
1 1/2 tsp coarse black pepper
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 tsp ground coriander
1/2 tsp cumin
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
2 tsp cold water
1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1/2 cup canola oil
1 1/2 tbl Thai chili paste
juice of 1/2 each: lemon and lime
3 tbl freshly grated Parmesan cheese
RED CHILI CROUTONS:
1/4 cup olive oil
1 tsp finely minced garlic
1 tbl powdered red chilies ( such as anchos or
pasillas) or chili powder
1 tsp salt
1 1/2 cups (1/2") bread cubes -- crust r

Salad:
Spin or pat lettuce dry and place in a large salad bowl. Add Dressing and toss lightly. Add beans, corn and half the croutons, then toss again. Taste to correct seasoning. Divide mixture among 4 chilled plates. Sprinkle with pepitas and cotija. Decorate with remaining croutons. Serve immediately.

Spicy Caesar Dressing:
Combine egg yolk, garlic, mustard, anchovies, pepper, salt, coriander, cumin, Worcestershire and water in food processor; process until smooth. With motor runnung, pour oils in a slow, steady stream into egg mixture. When all oil has been incorporated, add chili paste, lemon and lime juice and Parmesan; process until smooth.

*The use of raw egg is discouraged because of the risk of salmonella poisoning. If concerned, use egg substitute, pasteurized eggs if available, or coddle the egg before adding. Place in an egg coddler or individual container that can be covered and set in a larger oan of simmering water on top of stove. Cook a few min. over very low hat, but don't let the yolk harden.

Red Chili Croutons:
Heat oil in saucepan. Add garlic, powdered chilies and salt. Cook about 2 min. or till toasted. Do not let garlic darken or it will be bitter. Place bread cubes in med. mixing bowl and pour seasoned oil over them; toss to mix well. Spread croutons evenly in a baking pan and toast in 325 degree oven until golden brown, about 4-7 min.