Deconstructed Caesar Salad

If you prefer the anchovies in the dressing, just cut them up and add them as indicated in the recipe, but I like about six strewn over the salad. The croutons have a different look than the little squares; they are much more interesting as all different shapes. Tear out the inside of a ciabatta loaf or sourdough. Leftover croutons keep well in a plastic bag in a cupboard. Do not refrigerate. The poached eggs can be made ahead of time and served cold or rewarmed in hot water for a minute.

Ingredients

Garlic croutons

• ¼ cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons thinly sliced garlic cloves
• 4 cups torn bread

Dressing:

• ¼ cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons yogurt
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 2 chopped anchovies
• ¼ teaspoon grated lemon rind
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1/3 cup olive oil
• ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
• Salt and freshly ground pepper

Salad:

• 4 eggs, poached for 3 minutes
• 1 small head romaine lettuce, torn
• ½ sweet onion, thinly sliced
• ¼ cup shaved parmesan cheese

Method

Preheat oven to 350 F.

Heat olive oil in a skillet on medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 2 minutes or until golden. Use a slotted spoon to remove garlic from oil and set aside.

Toss bread with oil in skillet until well coated. Transfer to a baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes, turning pieces once, or until crisp and golden. Let cool.

Combine mayonnaise, yogurt, Worcestershire, anchovies, lemon rind and juice in a bowl and whisk until uniform. Drizzle in olive oil, a little at a time, and whisk until fully incorporated. Stir in parmesan and season with salt and pepper to taste.

Toss romaine with dressing until lightly coated. Divide between 4 bowls and sprinkle with croutons, fried garlic, onion and shaved parmesan. Top each salad with a poached egg. Serves 4.