FOR THE SALAD
Romaine lettuce hearts: 3 (stem ends removed; leaves separated, washed, thoroughly dried, and left whole)
Judy Rogers's Croutons (see below): 1/2 recipe
Caesar dressing (see below): 1/2 cup
Parmigiano-Reggiano: for serving (grated)
Freshly ground black pepper: for serving
FOR THE CAESAR DRESSING (makes about 1.5 cups)
Pasteurized egg yolks: 2
Whole garlic cloves: 4 (peeled)
Oil-packed anchovy fillets: 4
Dijon mustard: 2 tbsp
Worcestershire sauce: 1 tsp
Juice of two lemons: 2
Red wine vinegar: 1 tbsp
Kosher salt: 2 tsp
Extra virgin olive oil: 1 cup
Freshly ground black pepper: 1 tsp
FOR JUDY RODGERS’S CROUTONS (makes about 8 cups)
Country bread: 1 loaf (cut into 1-inch cubes)
Large garlic cloves: 2 (grated)
Dijon mustard: 1/2 cup
Kosher salt: 1.5 tbsp
Freshly ground black pepper: 1/2 tsp
Lemon zest: 1/2 (grated)
Extra virgin olive oil: 4 tbsp
- Preheat the oven to 425°F, or 400°F for convection.
- Line two half-sheet pans with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, toss the bread cubes with the garlic, mustard, salt, pepper, lemon zest, and olive oil until evenly coated.
- Divide between the prepared pans and spread in even layers.
- Bake for 10 minutes.
- Stir the croutons and rotate the pans, then continue baking until golden and crisp, about 10 minutes more.
- Let the croutons cool completely before assembling the salad.
Storage: Store the cooled croutons in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To refresh, bake at 375°F for five minutes.
- In a food processor, combine the egg yolks, garlic, anchovies, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, vinegar, and salt.
- Process until smooth.
- With the food processor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil and process until the dressing is fully emulsified.
- Add the black pepper and pulse until combined.
Storage: Transfer the dressing to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to four days.
- Place half of the romaine and half of the croutons in a large salad bowl.
- Drizzle with half of the dressing.
- Add the remaining romaine and croutons, then drizzle with the remaining dressing.
- Toss gently until the romaine and croutons are evenly coated.
- Finish with a generous amount of grated Parmigiano-Reggiano and freshly ground black pepper.
- Serve immediately.