INGREDIENTS

For the Croutons:

• 2 large garlic cloves
• Pinch of salt
• 3 tablespoons virgin olive oil
• 2 cups bread slices cut up into 1/2 inch cubes

For the Salad:

• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 medium garlic clove, crushed
• 1 pinch salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
• 1 teaspoon capers
• 1 teaspoon mustard
• 1/3 cup virgin olive oil
• 2 medium heads of romaine lettuce — outer leaves removed
• 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese — grated

PREP WORK

Preparing the croutons – Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Crush the garlic cloves with the side of a chef’s knife (be very careful) or with a garlic press. Slice up the bread and cut them into 1/2 inch cubes.

Preparing the salad – Again crush the garlic. Grate the Parmesan cheese.

HOW TO MAKE AT HOME

Croutons – Combine garlic, oil, salt, and bread cubes in a bowl. Mix until cubes are coated evenly. Spread the coated cubes onto a baking sheet and bake until the croutons are golden. This should take about 10 minutes.

To make the salad – Bring a pot of boiling water to boil, add egg and cook for just 45 seconds….NO MORE. This is coddling the egg. Remove from heat and let it cool off.

Meanwhile, mix the Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, garlic, salt & pepper,  mustard and capers in a bowl. Crack egg and add to these ingredients. Whisk until smooth.

Now for the tricky part. Slowly add the oil in a steady stream while constantly whisking again until smooth. Reason: if you add the oil too quickly, the dressing will be separate and not emulsify.

To serve:

Tear the lettuce into 1-2 inch pieces and add them to a large bowl (wooden if you have one). Add half the dressing, toss, add remaining dressing, Parmesan cheese, and croutons and toss again. Serve on chilled plates.