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Hail this Caesar’s layers of intriguing flavors

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Times Staff Writer

Dear SOS: I am in love with Nook Bistro’s Caesar salad. I have made several attempts at home, but still fail to re-create its mustardy masterpiece. Can you use your powers of persuasion to coax out the secret?

SARAH HOLBERT

Venice

Dear Sarah: The layers of flavors, with two kinds of mustard, roasted and fresh garlic, flash-fried capers and ciabatta croutons set this Caesar apart from other versions. Nook chef and co-owner James Richardson developed the recipe.

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Nook Bistro’s “cornershop” Caesar

Total time: 1 hour (includes garlic roasting time)

Servings: 8

4 large unpeeled cloves garlic

About 1 1/2 cups olive oil, divided

16 thinly sliced pieces of ciabatta

6 tablespoons mayonnaise

2 tablespoons whole grain mustard

2 tablespoons Dijon mustard

2 tablespoons lemon juice

4 anchovy fillets

2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh garlic

Dash Worcestershire sauce

Dash cayenne pepper

1/8 teaspoon black pepper

3 tablespoons grated Parmesan

1/2 cup capers

4 hearts of romaine, chopped into 1-inch pieces

1 cup pieces of shaved Parmesan

1. Heat the oven to 350 degrees. Place the garlic cloves on a piece of foil. Pour 3 tablespoons olive oil over the cloves and tightly seal the foil. Roast until fragrant and soft, for about 30 minutes. Cool slightly, peel and reserve the oil for making the croutons.

2. Brush the reserved garlic-roasting oil on the ciabatta slices. Place the bread on a baking sheet in the oven and bake until lightly golden brown, about 5 to 10 minutes. Set aside.

3. Combine the mayonnaise, mustards, lemon juice, anchovies, roasted and fresh garlic, Worcestershire, cayenne and black pepper in a food processor. While processing, add one-fourth cup olive oil in a slow, steady stream. Finally, pulse in the grated Parmesan. Set aside.

4. In a small saucepan, pour olive oil (about 1 cup) to a depth of about 1 inch. Heat the oil over medium-high heat to shimmering. Add the capers and deep-fry until they burst open, about 30 seconds. Remove the capers to paper towels to drain.

5. To assemble the salad, place the romaine in a large bowl. Add the shaved Parmesan and capers. Drizzle on the dressing and gently toss. Serve with the ciabatta croutons.

Each serving: 352 calories; 8 grams protein; 12 grams carbohydrates; 1 gram fiber; 31 grams fat; 6 grams saturated fat; 17 mg. cholesterol; 857 mg. sodium.

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