Caesar Salad

 

I love salads.

 

They are a favourite for lunch, and an easy dinner when I'm home and Ryan is working late. But when I'm eating a salad for dinner, I need substance. I'm not looking for a simple pile of lettuce.

 

Bold dressings, berries, crumbled cheese, sauteed meat, candied nuts, seeds, eggs!

 

Now those are salads.

The possibilities are practically endless.

 

Here is my favourite Caesar salad.

 

It's especially delicious with homemade croutons and crisp prosciutto.

However, I'm trying to be good.

 

 

A few key ingredients - Crisp Romaine, Freshly cooked chicken breast, cucumber, Parmesan shavings and a delicious homemade dressing.

 

 

I was never one to add eggs to my salads, however, it really is delicious. I like mine soft so that the yoke mixes with the dressing and makes it even creamier. Plus, it's more protein, which means I'm full longer.

 

 

 

On one date, Ryan and I went to a classic Italian restaurant in the city and our waiter, who wasn't young, came out with a rolling cart stocked with ingredients. He crushed anchovies, mashed garlic and prepared the entire salad from scratch right in front of us. It was the most amazing (and expensive) Caesar salad I've ever had.

 

 

The dressing recipe is from Martha Stewart, however, I don't make it exactly and tend to free-hand. I don't add near as much lemon juice, nor the anchovies as I never have them, and I like to make it the consistency more of a vinaigrette by adding oil and finely grated Parmesan.

 

 

Though he won't touch a salad, he still loves snacking on fruit and veggies. Maybe because he can make his cucumbers into mustaches?

Inspirations

Tiffany Hechner Dixon

What a pretty little vignette.

 It's Wednesday today, and a general not-feeling-like-doing-much-of-anything kind of day.

I've washed our linens and will eventually get around to some much needed vacuuming, but for now I think I might snuggle a while with Willen under our duvet and read together. Though the temperatures are mild for November, the drizzling rain and dreary skies are making us feel a little lazy this morning.

Here are some beautiful images to inspire you.

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I love the simplicity of this stairway, and the perfect contrast of the dark, rich woods and the bright, crisp whites. I love the collection of framed artwork (something I always have my eye out for), and I would love to find that exact bench and pretty cushions - It's perfect!

Justine Taylor

I can't think of a cozier place to curl up on a day like today. It just needs a lush knitted throw and a warm cup of tea.

Justine Taylor

Another great Butchers Pantry! I love so much about this space... where to start?

1- That sofa. It's gorgeous.

2- The cream walls with beautiful built-ins and ceiling details.

3 - The runner. I've been looking for something just like this for when we remove the carpeting in our hall.

4- The Dutch door in the background!

5 - If this space had a sink - say in the white cabinet in the front right of the photo, this would make the perfect space for arranging fresh flowers.

6 - The storage without the look of storage: Notice the simple hooks under the painting to the left? And all those simple bins that could house so many different things. The umbrella bucket and all the doors on the table?

Martha Stewart

I always think this is a dramatic looking kitchen. I love the rich wood counters and the simple white cabinets, but I think it's the old hardware, the fantastic faucet and the striking floors that make this kitchen so pretty.

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And finally, (seemingly opposite to my own personal style!) this pretty writing desk. I'm white walls all the way, but something about these dark, charcoal walls makes this little space so cozy and warm. The desk is a beautiful piece (though I would find a different chair), and the whole little set up is perfectly inviting. I would actually incorporate this into my home!