Caesar Salad Southwest Style
Jalapeno Croutons
2 Tbs Jalapenos, seeded and diced. If fresh jalapenos are not
available you can use canned or for a milder taste try
substituting canned green chilies.
½ tsp Cayenne Pepper
1 tsp Salt
2 ¾ Cups Milk
1 ½ Cups Cornmeal
Vegetable Oil for cooking
In a medium sauce pan combine the jalapenos, cayenne, salt and
milk and bring to a boil. Gently add in 1 cup of cornmeal
stirring continuously. Reduce the heat and cook over medium
while stirring for 3 to 5 minutes and it forms a ball in the
center of the pan. Remove from heat and roll the mixture onto a
well greased cookie sheet until it is about ½ inch thick. Chill
in the refrigerator for two hours and cut into ½ inch cubes.
Toss the cooled cubes in ½ cup cornmeal.
Fry the cubes in hot vegetable oil for about 2 minutes or until
they are crisp. When they are crisp remove from the oil and
drain on layers of paper towels. When drained add to the
romaine.
Salad
4 Cups Romaine Lettuce or hearts of romaine
Dressing*
1 Tbs Anchovy Paste
1 Small Shallot, minced
4 Cloves Garlic, roasted and mashed
1 tsp Cumin
2 tsp Dijon Mustard
3 Tbs Chipotle, this is a dark brown sauce used in southwest
cooking. It has an earthy taste and is spicy. This makes a great
addition to mayonnaise. Mix a small amount of chipotle with your
mayonnaise and use it as you would normally on sandwiches.
1 Tbs Balsamic Vinegar
½ Lime Juiced
1/8 tsp Cayenne Pepper
¾ Cup Olive oil
Salt to taste
In a large bowl combine the first 10 ingredients and whisk
thoroughly. When thoroughly blended slowly drizzle in the olive
oil and continue to whisk. Pour over the romaine and croutons
and toss.
*This is an egg free Caesar Salad, if you want eggs you can add
in 1 egg that has soaked in extremely hot water for one minute.
Then crack and mix the egg in with the first 10 ingredients
dressing.
About the author:
Shauna Hanus is a gourmet cook who specializes in creating
gourmet recipes. She has extensive experience cooking with easy
to find grocery items to create delightful gourmet meals. She is
also the publisher of a no cost bi-monthly gourmet newsletter.
Her newsletter is always fun and informational packed with tips
and trivia you can use everyday.
http://www.gourmayeats.com