My mom has a way about her. She gets stopped by police but never gets a ticket. She can make friends with people who simply don’t like other people—except her. And she can talk just about anybody into spilling their well-kept secrets.
About 40 years ago, she and my dad were sharing an elegant meal at South Seas Plantation on Captiva Island and she just had to get the recipe for the Caesar salad. It was the “perfect” Caesar—not heavy or overwhelming—the way some Caesars are. It was just right.
So into the kitchen she went (after at least one or two cocktails) and asked to speak to the Chef. Of course he didn’t want to give her his treasured recipe, but, like other people mom encounters, he just caved.
Mama has made this incredibly delicious salad for years. For all of us lucky folks who have enjoyed it while sitting around her table, we can attest that it’s the best Caesar salad in the world. If you make it and don’t agree, we definitely want to hear from you!
MAMA’S CAESAR SALAD
Dressing:
4-6 anchovy filets, mashed
6 tablespoons olive oil
3 tablespoons tarragon vinegar
1 clove garlic, pressed
Whisk together all of the above in a mixing bowl and set aside.
Salad:
6 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
½ cup slightly crushed croutons (mom uses Pepperidge Farms)
2 slices of bacon, fried and crumbled
½ cup grated parmesan cheese
Toss above ingredients together. Pour on dressing, toss again and serve immediately.
Don’t wait to make this wonderful salad! You can serve it as a main dish (with some grilled shrimp on top) or as a side. And may you all have as many wonderful memories from sharing it with others as we have.
Now you’ve done it! You’ve made your Momma a star! Not that she wasn’t before. I haven’t tried it yet, but I will soon.
Mama is a superstar! Let me know how you like her salad! Thanks Pat 🙂
OMG that sounds amazing! I love South Seas Plantation on Captiva Island. Their food was amazing so I will definitely try this recipe. Thanks to you and Mama.
Thanks Julie! Reading this makes me want to go back to South Seas Plantation too. I haven’t been there in over 20 years….you will LOVE this salad. Thanks Mama!
I really don’t like any Caesar Salad OTHER THAN mama’s anymore. It’s awesome, just like the curmudgeon who got the recipe.
It is simply the best! And we’ve had a lot of good meals with lots of laughs with this salad!
curmedgeon! hahaha
We love momma!!! And she makes great grasshoppers too!! xoxoxo
Maybe we’ll have to post her GRASSHOPPER recipe! So, this grasshopper walks into a bar………
I am one of the lucky folks who has enjoyed this salad at Linda’s table, but now I “know the rest of the story”. Thanks, Molly.
Thanks Cathy….this is just ONE of the times she barged into a kitchen at fine restaurant. And my dad did too, but for other reasons. That’s a story for another day… 🙂
I love the way you LOVE your momma :). Thanks for sharing! Xo
She is truly lovable! Thanks Sally Miller! Hope to see you soon…
You had me at bacon….Great story Molly and your mom is fabulous! I have the last of my spring lettuce to use up so I’m definitely going to make this! The tarragon vinegar sounds like a great addition.
Ha! Everyone loves bacon! Thanks for your comment Jennifer. Let us know how it turns out 🙂
Thank You For Mom’s recipe! She has the best recipe for life! We love her and send Happy Mother’s Day smooch from the Devoe side of the family!
Thanks Tina! And Happy Mother’s Day to you and all the great moms out there. Can’t wait to see you both. Xoxo
Hi Molly,
Nice meeting you last night. Great haircut on your photo! I am looking for your info on planters fasciitis I most be doing something wrong. Help….
Thanks Lots
Eileen
Hi Eileen:
Great to meet you too! I will email you the link to the article…and look forward to our next get-together! 🙂
If you crisp the lettuce by soaking in icey water makes the lettuce super delicious crunchy. Recipe sounds wonderful. Happy Mothers day to my US Mum.
Vicki, you make some GREAT salads! I love that watermelon salad….please send me the recipe and I willl post it!! Looking forward to seeing you…
Thanks for the compliment. There are several other times that I have left the table to talk to the Chief. Whenever your Daddy really liked something that we had when we were out, I would venture into the kitchen and most times it would be successful. I wanted to make it at home so he would praise the meal. Ask
me about the other times I made him feel uncomfortable. Anyhow, this was one of my biggest conquests
Thanks Mama! Your salad has been famous for all the lucky ones who you’ve made it for…now others can enjoy it too. We love you and your spunk…never stop being you! I love you…
I love your sweet Mama! I am going to the market right after work to buy bacon, tarragon vinegar and shrimp to make this for dinner tonight! xoxoxox
Let me know how you like it. And what it curmedgeon? 🙂