Abby's Caesar Salad Without Eggs

Ingredients:
1 cup grated parmigiano, plus a block for shaving
2 lemons, juiced
3 garlic cloves
2 T Dijon mustard
3 or 4 anchovy fillets
extra virgin olive oil
kosher salt
3 to 4 slices day old rustic Italian bread, cut into 1/2-inch dice
2 hearts romaine lettuce

Preparing the dressing:
In the bowl of a food processor add the 1 cup of cheese, the lemon juice, 1 garlic clove, the mustard and the anchovies. Turn the machine on and let it run for 15 to 20 seconds. As the machine is running, drizzle in 1/2 to 3/4 cup olive oil. Let the machine run for another 15 seconds after the oil has incorporated. Season, to taste, with salt.

Coat a large saute pan generously with olive oil. Smash 2 garlic cloves and add them to the pan over medium heat. When the garlic cloves have become golden and are very aromatic remove them and discard, they have fulfilled their garlic destiny. Stir in the bread cubes, season with salt, to taste, and saute them until they have absorbed all of the oil and are crispy, but still slightly pliable.

Break apart the lettuce leaves. Swish them in cool water, then pat them dry. In a large bowl toss the leaves with the dressing. Arrange the leaves on serving plates and sprinkle with the garlic croutons. Shave some parmesan over the salads and serve.

Serves 6 to 8