Crescent City Croutons Recipe Fresh

CRESCENT CITY CROUTONS

Steps:

• Cut French bread lengthwise as if for a long sandwich. Then cut the bread lengthwise with two or three cuts from the top to the bottom. Then cut the bread across to produce cubes of bread about 3/4 of an inch thick.
• Place the cubed bread in a large bowl that slopes to a small bottom. This will direct excess oil and seasonings towards the bottom of the bowl. Add the bread to the bowl and all of the seasonings. Toss gently for several minutes, it is important to insure that the seasonings are distributed evenly and that the oil is completely absorbed by the bread.
• Arrange the croutons in a single layer on a 1/2 sheet baking or a jellyroll pan.
• Preheat oven to 350F, place the baking sheet in the oven, then turn off the oven immediately. Bake the croutons for 90 minutes, do not open oven during that time.
• Allow the croutons to cool, place in a shallow serving bowl and serve with salads.

CROUTONS

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
• Remove crusts from stale bread slices. Brush bread on both sides with melted butter. Cut bread slices up into small cubes. Sprinkle with garlic salt (if desired). Arrange cubes on an ungreased cookie sheet.
• Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 15 minutes or until browned. Let cool. Store croutons in a covered container or plastic bag. Serve in soups or salads.

CREOLE CAESAR SALAD

Steps:

• Wash the lettuce heads carefully by gently unfolding the leaves from the body of the lettuce and allowing cold water to flush away any dirt or sand from the stems. Turn the heads upside down and allow to drain.
• Cut the lettuce widthwise into 1/2-inch wide strips. Place the lettuce strips in a large bowl; dry thoroughly with paper towels. Use 1/2 the oil and gently toss the lettuce until all of the lettuce is completely covered with oil.
• In a separate bowl, whisk the remaining oil, garlic, Creole mustard, lemon juice, black pepper, soy and fish sauces until a smooth emulsion is achieved (about 2 minutes). Crack the eggs and whisk them into the dressing thoroughly.
• Pour the dressing over the salad, toss the lettuce to completely coat all of the leaves. Chill salad well but no longer than 2 hours. Add cheeses, toss gently, add croutons. Serve.