Classic Caesar Salad

(serves 4)

I think one of the unfortunate things about a summer and sandy Christmas (vs a white Christmas) is that the large amount of chocolate floating around really doesn't help the beach outfits... Anyhow, in an attempt to even out or moderate the large feasts and delicious goodies thrown my way, i've been trying to eat more salads for lunch and dinner! 
So here's the classic Caesar, which i have discovered is also quite tasty for breakfast - bacon, eggs, bread.. same elements really! This was my first time making home-made dressing, it's rather messy but very rewarding! 

One way my talented boyfriend helps in the kitchen... 

Prep time: 30min

Cooking time: 30min

Ingredients
1 cos lettuce
3 eggs
2 rashers bacon
4 slices bread
150 g cherry tomatoes 
oregano
olive oil 
300 g chicken breast (poached, optional)

Dressing:
2 egg yolks or 2 T mayo
4 anchovy fillets
1 clove garlic
3 T lemon juice
20g grated parmesan (less than 1/4 C)
1/2 C olive oil (approx)
1 tsp dijon mustard
Salt and pepper, to taste

Special equipment: small food processor or stick mixer

Method:
1. Preheat the oven to 150˚C.
2. Cut the bread into 1cm cubes. Place on a tray lined with foil and sprayed with spray oil.
3. Bake the croutons for 5-10min until dried out, then toss with salt, pepper, oregano and olive oil and continue to bake, turning occasionally for approx 20-30min.

4. Hard-boil, peel and quarter the eggs.
5. Cut the bacon into thin slices and pan-fry until crisp.
6. To make the dressing, place the egg yolks/mayo, anchovies, garlic and lemon juice in the food processor and process until smooth. Add in the parmesan and process until smooth again. 
7. On a low blending setting, slowly pour in the olive oil until it reaches your preferred consistency and creaminess. Add in the dijon mustard and process until smooth. Salt and pepper to taste.

8. Wash and cut the lettuce into bite-size pieces. Halve the cherry tomatoes.
9. Toss the lettuce and tomatoes in the half the dressing and place in a large salad bowl.
10. Top with the bacon, eggs and croutons, extra chicken (optional) and sprinkle of parmesan and the remaining dressing!