Classic Caesar Salad

This salad is totally worth the effort!

ingredients

For the croutons:
2 Tbsp unsalted butter, melted
2 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
8-10 oz rustic Italian bread, cut into 3/4" cubes
2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
For the salad:
2 garlic cloves
1 tsp salt
1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
1 Tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
1/2 tsp Dijon mustard
1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
2 10 oz heads romaine lettuce, discard outer leaves, wash and dry inner leaves
1 cup freshly grated parmesan or Romano cheese or 2 1/2 oz shaved with a vegetable peeler

1
Preheat the oven to 450. Combine the butter and the oil in a large bowl. Add the cubes of bread and toss until coated. Sprinkle with the salt, cayenne pepper, and black pepper; toss until evenly coated. Spread the bread in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake about 10 minutes or until golden. Set aside.
2
Place the garlic and salt in a wooden bowl. using two dinner forks, mash the garlic. Whisk in the pepper and lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce and mustard. Whisk in the olive oil.
3
Chop the lettuce into 1" pieces. Add the romaine to the dressing bowl with the croutons and cheese and toss well.