Sometimes what I need from the world manifests itself in the strangest ways.
Truth be told, I think I might need a hug. I know… that phrase has tinges of lame and needy all over it. I could easily go find a hug, that’s not the issue. I’m looking for a very specific hug.
I need to kind of hug that I imagine comes from the husband I don’t yet have. The kind of hug that you can completely relax into. The kind of hug where you are exactly who you are without any self conscious discomfort. The kind of hug that I imagine comes with familiar husband neck smells, synchronized breathing, and maybe a whisper in the ear. The kind of hug that softens everything in the world- that’s the kind of hug I need.
Since I don’t exactly have that soul changing hug at my everyday disposal, I decided to take to get in my kitchen and make myself exactly what my soul wanted to eat. Ironically enough, my soul didn’t wax on about chocolate, or pudding or fresh doughnuts. All my insides wanted was a big, fresh, home-crafted Caesar Salad.
Funny how that works.
If you’ve never made a homemade Caesar Salad, consider this your formal invitation. There is something unbelievably satisfying about grinding garlic and anchovies into a paste, then working the dressing into the most luscious salad topper with egg yolks and olive oil. It’s lovely. It feels like the salt of the earth, like I imagine those husband hugs.
Oh! This salad is perfect with homemade pizza. Now that’s good lovin’.
The Perfect Caesar Salad
from Martha Stewart
If you don’t like the idea of using egg yolks for this dressing, feel free to substitute one tablespoon of mayonnaise. Don’t skip out on the anchovies as much as you think you might dislike them. They add so much flavor and depth, you’ll miss if you leave them out. I skipped the fresh croutons, mostly because I didn’t have any bread on hand. I’ve included the crouton portion of your recipe for your tummy. Enjoy!
- 6 slices (1-inch) ciabatta or another crusty white bread, cut into 3/4-inch cubes
- 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon fresh flat-leaf parsley, minced
- Coarse salt (to taste)
- 2 cloves garlic, halved
- 2 large egg yolks
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 4 to 5 anchovies
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
- 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 heads romaine lettuce, washed and dried thoroughly and torn into 2-inch pieces
- Grated Parmesan cheese (to taste)
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a medium-size bowl, toss bread cubes with remaining crouton ingredients. On a parchment-lined baking sheet, toast croutons until golden brown, 10 to 15 minutes.
- In a large wooden bowl, using a wooden spoon, mash halved garlic cloves to a fine paste. Stir in egg yolks and Dijon mustard. Add anchovies, and grind to a paste. Add lemon juice, and season with salt and pepper. Slowly stir in olive oil until dressing is creamy
- Add lettuce to bowl, and toss to coat leaves thoroughly with dressing and grated Parmesan. Sprinkle croutons over salad, and serve topped with Parmesan shavings.
January 14th, 2009 at 11:58 am
No, we definitely want the egg yolks. Definitely. There is something about homemade dressings that make you want to toss out all of those bottles in the fridge. But a fresh caesar must be over the top!
January 14th, 2009 at 12:15 pm
Nothing better than a homemade caesar. I hope you find your soul mate soon - those hugs are the best. I can’t tell you enough how much I love your blog!!
January 14th, 2009 at 12:23 pm
I don’t really have much to say about the salad, though it does look great, I just had to comment on your hug. Thank you for writing that! That’s exactly the kind of hug I need, and I have never been able to put it into words half as eloquently as you have. I hope you find your hug-giver soon.
January 14th, 2009 at 12:43 pm
omg..I ABSOLUTELY LOOOVE CEASAR SALAD!
January 14th, 2009 at 1:14 pm
*sigh* What an amazing description of a hug. I thought I was the only one who longed for husband hugs. Someday…
January 14th, 2009 at 1:48 pm
This looks yummy
I want you to know that I made your Lemon drenched lemon cakes, and oh my goodness are they delicious!! I had to give one away for fear that I would eat them both by myself!! 
January 14th, 2009 at 2:06 pm
Husband hugs are grand, makes me miss mine even more, thanks for your lovely description! Speaking of hubbies, mine will love this salad! I plan on making it when he returns from deployment! Thanks, Joy!
January 14th, 2009 at 2:21 pm
That looks so good and the photos in your side bar are making my mouth water! I’m going to be brave and try this soon. I love Caesar Salad…but I’m scared of anchovies. I’ll get over it and make it anyway!
P.S. Now I want a hug!
January 14th, 2009 at 2:36 pm
Now that I buy my eggs directly from a farmer/friend I feel ok making recipes like this. I’ll have to try it. I too fear anchovies, but I suspect my favorite green beans at a Chinese place are cooked with them or something like them.
January 14th, 2009 at 3:09 pm
You should rename this recipe “romaine salad with soul-changing-hug-dressing” sounds so much more irresistible than Ceasar. I love it when you give us story + recipe.
January 14th, 2009 at 3:21 pm
Awww! My hubby has been sick for the last week so I haven’t had that kind of hug and I’m seriously missing it. Leaving for work without it can make your whole day sour. You will find your hug some day, I just know it!
January 14th, 2009 at 3:32 pm
I didn’t think I was taking those hugs for granted but I’ll make sure I appreciate as much as I should.
January 14th, 2009 at 3:56 pm
Oh… your salad looks perfect….and I wish you those hugs you desire…
They will come…don’t you worry…they will come…and they will be delicious when they do…
January 14th, 2009 at 4:12 pm
Oh. Honey. I am sending you a virtual *squishy, all encompassing, come let mama hold you tight” HUG right now. There…it’s not a husband hug by any stretch of the imagination, but I hope it helps in the interim while that future husband of yours finds his way to you - perhaps he is stuck INSIDE a coffee shop while you fly on by on your great doughnut hunt. Some day you will meet, and share coffee and doughnuts and realize that you’re meant for each other. Yes. Sounds like a novel idea. And your caesar sounds soooooo…oooh…yum. mmm. Thank you!!
January 14th, 2009 at 4:29 pm
I just loved your salad and your description of a husband hug. Don’t fret that you don’t have a husband, yet. Let him find you. In the mean time enjoy yourself in all that you do.
January 14th, 2009 at 4:42 pm
We have homemade pizza in the oven…if only we had some anchovies! This would have been perfect.
January 14th, 2009 at 4:45 pm
Yay for husband (or in my case fiance) hugs and homemade caesar salad! I love to make my own caesar dressing. I add a splash of balsamic vinegar and use half dijon/half stoneground mustard. I like the texture the stoneground adds. And anchovies are a MUST! Even if you think you don’t like them, start small.
January 14th, 2009 at 5:43 pm
You know what Poodle? I used to think about those hugs and I just knew that somewhere, my hugger waited for me. Everyone said noooooo. Those storybook husband hugs don’t exist. I’m here to tell you they do - so wait for them. They’re very much worth it.
January 14th, 2009 at 5:48 pm
i want one of those hugs as well. i’m here to tell you that you WILL get that hug one day! so keep dreaming about it because it will be great when it happens!
January 14th, 2009 at 5:55 pm
Wait. Wheres the dessert? ; )
Seriously, I love a good caesar- extra garlicky and anchovie-y please.
I’m gonna make a point of hugging my husband tonight. You can never do it enough.
Until then, sending you a virtual hug.
January 14th, 2009 at 7:06 pm
cesar salad…comfort food….it works right? when you’re “craving” for love, real LOVE sometimes food works! Your Ceasar Salad looks great.
About hugs: hun, he will come, he will arrive, someday. And yes,you two will be enjoying the joy of hugging
besos
January 14th, 2009 at 7:18 pm
I am continually on a quest for the perfect homemade Caeser salad recipe. I’m specifically trying to imitate one that I had on my honeymoon. I came kinda close the other day, but something wasn’t right (personally, I think I love the egg so much that my mayo substitution just didn’t cut it for me.) Or, maybe it was something else. I don’t know, but I’m looking forward to trying out your recipe!
January 14th, 2009 at 7:29 pm
I made a homemade caesar salad tonight and opened a Trader Joes can of anchovies just like yours!
January 14th, 2009 at 8:12 pm
[...] the Baker (Love her and her blog– shes awesome) shows you how to make a basic Caesar Salad from scratch. yum! « Whenever I have some time and I’m in [...]
January 14th, 2009 at 8:30 pm
There are so many things I want to make and never enough hours in the day. Homemade caesar is definitely on the list though…
January 14th, 2009 at 8:44 pm
Thank you for the awesome recipe and for the beautiful writing about the hugs! I lost my husband to cancer in 2007 and I miss his hugs the most. The “I don’t care if I haven’t showered or that I have no makeup on” kind of hugs. You will find it and when you do cherish it! Love your photos, by the way!
January 15th, 2009 at 2:35 am
Okay, so now I’m thinking I should try adding anchovies to my Ceasar’s dressing from smittenkitchen although I think I hate them. I think, because I’ve never tried … but I have tried using egg yolks and the whole thing was terribly runny in the end – something must have gone wrong, but I’m fine with the mayonnaise version, too
January 15th, 2009 at 4:45 am
Joy, you most certainly know how to treat yourself right! Without a doubt someone is going to come along who will recognize that, after being wowed by your beauty, generosity and fabulous culinary skills, and will stick around to hug you when you most need it. Until then keep doing what you’re doing, because it’s fabulous!
January 15th, 2009 at 5:31 am
Thank you for doing this salad proud. Anchovies are a must. Next time try adding a few drops of balsamic vinegar; it adds another layer of flavor.
January 15th, 2009 at 6:54 am
Quick question - the 1st step indicates “In a medium-size bowl, toss bread cubes with remaining crouton ingredients.” I’m assuming the remaining crouton ingredients consist of the evoo, minced garlic, parsley & coarse salt?
January 15th, 2009 at 9:31 am
Too funny I just blogged about Caesar Salad last night!! We were on the same wavelength I guess! My dressing is TOTALLY different that yours so Im eager to try yours and compare. And the egg, is a must
January 15th, 2009 at 9:31 am
Looks great. I’ve never had a ‘official’, full-scale Caesar salad.
Keep up the good work with the blog!
http://abbiescookingblog.blogspot.com
January 15th, 2009 at 10:41 am
Hi there. Although I must be the last person in the blogosphere to do so, I just found your site. Please forgive my lateness! I absolutely adore everything I see so far, and look forward to following you and your creativity.
January 15th, 2009 at 11:26 am
My favorite salad on the planet . . . especially with a thick, medium rare steak.
You did good.
January 15th, 2009 at 11:56 am
I’ve never made Caesar dressing at home because I’m totally afraid of the anchovies, but the little tin in your picture is so cute that I think I’m suddenly feeling brave enough to give it a try!
January 15th, 2009 at 12:39 pm
Wait for the right hug(ger). It’ll be worth it!
January 15th, 2009 at 4:36 pm
Mmm… this does sound completely perfect. Beautiful…. as always
January 15th, 2009 at 7:16 pm
My hubby has been asking me to make a ceaser salad but the anchovies scare me away. I need to just step up to the plate. Maybe if I make him one, I’ll get one of those hugs!
January 15th, 2009 at 8:58 pm
I have only ever tried a shop bought ceasar salad and I liked that so im sure I will love your recipe. Anchovies im not too sure about but will give them a shot Added hugs are an essential, lovely description
Im new to this site and have enjoyed what I have seen thus far
January 16th, 2009 at 8:35 am
Those kind of hugs are just what you need on a bad day the world just kind of melts away. But your salad is making me wish that we didn’t run out of lettuce at my house. Looks like I need to by some and some anchovies.
January 16th, 2009 at 12:16 pm
Somedays when you need those hugs, you don’t always get them. I needed one today and didn’t get one! I hope you get one of that hug!
January 16th, 2009 at 2:04 pm
[...] a few days ago when we were talking about husband hugs? [...]
January 16th, 2009 at 2:05 pm
darl’ you can get those hugs from people other than husbands. maybe there’ not right on your doorstep every day, but they’re there. if the husband never happens (mine never did) don’t feel your missing out on something. the best hugs are the ones you give yourself. if they’re dripping in salad dressing all the better.
January 16th, 2009 at 6:18 pm
((((((((JOY)))))))))
If I were near you, I would hug you myself…instead you get the one above!
January 17th, 2009 at 10:53 am
Well, of course this, IMO, is one of the best Caesar Salad recipes ever…I felt that way when I saw Martha make it…You could also use a pasturized egg instead of fresh couldn’t you? Actually when it is all said and done, the mayo works well…I suggest that there needs to be a website for those of us that need the kind of hug you so eloquently describe….Funny, I always feel like it’s just me…Silly
January 17th, 2009 at 11:03 am
This is the perfect caesar salad recipe..I thought so when I first saw Martha make it..I also loved the old wooden bowl that she used…I went to buy one, but they were so expensive, I ended up with a newer version, but hey…it works..I would image the egg, could be replaced by one of those pasturized versions…Actually the mayo works fine…
Now, as far a those that could use the kind of hug you so beautifully describe, count me amongst the group who expressed that here…Maybe we should start a website! Funny how one always feel like they are the only ones that feel that way…so silly….
January 20th, 2009 at 11:03 am
My husband and I didn’t meet each other until I was 30. He didn’t become my husband until I was 32. Just to say keep hanging in there! May God bless you richly with a wonderful, just right for YOU husband who gives amazing hugs! Kelly
January 21st, 2009 at 11:12 am
I just read this post (I’ve been sick) but had to comment. Yes, husband hugs can be great–but I can also vouch that sometimes, friend hugs can be just as wonderful. I got lucky and met my hubby in college and we’ve been together almost 10 years now (wow–suddenly I realize how old I am!) and when I’m down, I almost always want a hug from him. BUT–I have some really great friends and family who have never failed to make me feel better. A good conversation, a quick hug, a card in the mail, or even just a bad joke–words can “hug” too. I know that it’s hard when you are still looking for that someone special–my older sister hasn’t found her hugger yet either–but it’s nice to remember that other people can help just as much. I always try to be that friend to people–because I have been so blessed to have those types of friends in my life. And even though we’ve never met–your blog ALWAYS makes me smile and feel better. Your cooking is a “hug”–and I hope if I’m ever out your way, I’ll get a chance to taste it in person–and give you a hug too!
January 21st, 2009 at 1:47 pm
this ceasar salad looks awesome. Youreally described well the hug of a husband
I m sure soon you ll find the love of your life 
January 22nd, 2009 at 12:19 am
You convinced me to try the anchovies.
January 22nd, 2009 at 5:55 pm
I love Caesar salads just about as much as I love husband hugs! You described that hug perfectly! I’ve been a little too chicken to try to make my own salad from scratch, but now I might have to. You’ll get a chance to get a hug. Just wait and it’ll come to you. =)
January 22nd, 2009 at 5:56 pm
I wish I would’ve discovered you last week! I had company last Saturday and make lasagna and caesar salad with my first anchovie-included salad dressing. It was pretty good, but not fantastic. The recipe was from a friend and somewhat different than yours. I’m going to definitely try yours next. I love a Caesar Salad with chicken breast and crusty bread for a “light” easy supper.
March 14th, 2009 at 11:26 am
I love how you open this post…great writing. It makes people understand exactly what you mean about the kind of hug you are looking for. I hope you find it!
March 14th, 2009 at 11:40 am
[...] the “Joy the Baker” blog - Baked with love. Made from [...]
April 3rd, 2009 at 8:41 am
[...] Homemade Caesar Salad [...]
June 16th, 2009 at 4:40 am
I love that your hug description solicited so many comments! I make my croutons out of rye bread or multi grain organic bread or a mixture of left over heels. Toast them at 350 for 10 minutes and then rub them all over with garlic before tearing them up into salad and if I’m really in a hurry I just stick the bread in the toaster! Crisply cooked cubed pancetta would complete this Caesar Salad to perfection for me! The salty, chewy flavour goes perfectly with the crisp lettuce and parmesan. YUM!