Declans Salad With Crusty Croutons Recipes

DECLANS SALAD WITH CRUSTY CROUTONS

Steps:

• Wash salad by immersing in a sinkful of cold water and swirling around. Lift greens out of sink into salad spinner or clean cotton pillowcase and spin like crazy. Fun for the whole family. Toss salad greens gently with olive oil in a large wooden bowl. Sprinkle on lemon juice and toss again. Finally, season to taste with salt and freshly ground pepper, toss again, and serve. Eat with your fingers.

CROUTONS

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
• Whisk the butter, olive oil, oregano and garlic salt. Toss with the bread cubes. Spread in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake until golden brown and toasted, 15 to 20 minutes.

CRISPY CROUTON SALAD

Steps:

• Place bread cubes in a single layer in an ungreased 15x10x1-in. baking pan. Bake at 450° for 6-8 minutes or until golden brown, stirring twice. Cool., In a large bowl, combine the tomatoes, mozzarella, yellow pepper and basil. In a small bowl, whisk the oil, vinegar, garlic, salt and pepper. Pour over salad and toss to coat. Sprinkle with croutons.

CAESAR SALAD WITH "CRUSTY" CROUTONS

Steps:

• Put 1/4 cup of oil in a medium skillet over medium-high heat and heat until hot but not smoking. Add 1/4 cup of the cheese to a medium bowl and set aside.
• Brush a work surface with a little oil and press the dough into a rectangle about 1/4-inch thick. Cut the dough into thin strips, about 1/4-inch wide. When the oil is hot, using kitchen scissors, carefully hold the dough strips, 2 at a time, over the pan and snip off 1/4-inch pieces, letting them gently fall into the hot oil (this may take several batches). Shallow-fry the dough pieces, tossing frequently with a slotted spoon, Chinese strainer or tongs, until golden brown, 3 to 4 minutes. Transfer the croutons to the bowl with the cheese and toss to coat. Continue frying and dredging the dough in the cheese until all the dough is used.
• When ready to serve, add the romaine to a large bowl, drizzle with lemon juice and add the remaining 1/4 cup oil. Season with salt and pepper, to taste and toss well to evenly coat the lettuce. Add the remaining 1/4 cup of cheese and the croutons and toss well until combined.
• Transfer to a serving platter and top with additional cheese, if desired.