Creole Caesar Salad With Corn Bread Croutons Recipes

SOUTHERN CAESAR SALAD WITH HONEYED CORNBREAD CROUTONS

Steps:

• Combine first 5 ingredients, and mix well with a wire whisk. Cover and chill an hour or more.
• Cook ham in peanut oil in a skillet over medium high heat, stirring constantly, until browned. Drain on paper towels. Let Cool.
• Combine lettuce and pecans in a large bowl, add dressing, tossing gently. Put ham strips on top and sprinkle with Honeyed Cornbread Croutons.

CREOLE CAESAR SALAD

Steps:

• Wash the lettuce heads carefully by gently unfolding the leaves from the body of the lettuce and allowing cold water to flush away any dirt or sand from the stems. Turn the heads upside down and allow to drain.
• Cut the lettuce widthwise into 1/2-inch wide strips. Place the lettuce strips in a large bowl; dry thoroughly with paper towels. Use 1/2 the oil and gently toss the lettuce until all of the lettuce is completely covered with oil.
• In a separate bowl, whisk the remaining oil, garlic, Creole mustard, lemon juice, black pepper, soy and fish sauces until a smooth emulsion is achieved (about 2 minutes). Crack the eggs and whisk them into the dressing thoroughly.
• Pour the dressing over the salad, toss the lettuce to completely coat all of the leaves. Chill salad well but no longer than 2 hours. Add cheeses, toss gently, add croutons. Serve.

CAESAR SALAD WITH SPICY PANCETTA AND CORNBREAD CROUTONS

Steps:

• For the cornbread: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
• Whisk together the cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, salt and baking soda in a large bowl. Whisk in the buttermilk, milk and eggs. Whisk in the melted butter.
• Coat the sides and bottom of a 9-inch skillet with the remaining butter. Pour the batter into the skillet and bake until the center is firm and a cake tester or toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, 20 to 25 minutes. Let cool. Cut half of the cornbread into cubes. (Devour the other half with butter and jam.)
• For the dressing: Combine the mustard, garlic, a pinch salt and about 1 teaspoon coarsely ground pepper in a food processor. Pulse to blend. With the machine running, pour the lemon juice and caper juice into the mix. Slowly pour in the olive oil and then the canola oil. Transfer the dressing to a bowl. Taste for seasoning. Too lemony? Add more oil. Too oily, add more lemon. Stir in the anchovies, anchovy oil and a few tablespoons grated Parmesan. Refrigerate. (See Cook's Note.)
• For the salad: Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
• Spread the cornbread cubes on a baking sheet and bake until browned and toasty, 10 to 12 minutes.
• Add about three quarters of the dressing to a large bowl and toss the romaine with the dressing. Grate some Parmesan over the leaves. Use a tea strainer or sifter to sprinkle the pancetta with an even, light layer of the cayenne. Top with salad with the pancetta and warm cornbread croutons and serve immediately.