This is a main-dish caesar-style salad, more or less. We use sweet crab as our protein source, which is lovely. We use store-bought mayonnaise (instead of coddled eggs) in our dressing, then lighten it somewhat with buttermilk. We combine romaine with mixed baby greens for color and textural contrasts. But we still make our own homemade croutons. At least that traditional ingredient remains, unless you want to buy your croutons, too.

Dressing

8 garlic cloves, divided

8 anchovy fillets, drained, wiped dry, chopped

1 1/4 cups mayonnaise

1/2 cup buttermilk

2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

2 teaspoons white wine Worcestershire sauce (for poultry)

Croutons

1/3 cup olive oil

4 cups (1-inch-size) cubes of crustless, day-old sourdough bread

Salad

1 1/2 to 2 pounds lump crabmeat (you can use a really good quality "special" blend), picked over for shells and cartilage

About 12 ounces romaine, trimmed, cut into bite-size pieces

About 4 cups mixed baby greens

1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese

Shredded parmesan cheese, garnish

For the dressing, use a processor to finely chop 4 of the garlic cloves and anchovies. Add mayonnaise, buttermilk, lemon juice and Worcestershire, then blend until smooth. Season to taste with pepper. You won't need salt.

For the croutons, in large, non-stick skillet, heat oil over medium-low heat. Use the side of a large, heavy knife to flatten the remaining 4 garlic cloves. Add to oil and stir-cook until brown. Use a slotted spoon to remove garlic; discard it. Add bread cubes to garlic oil and cook until crisp and golden, stirring or tossing frequently, about 15 minutes. Drain on paper towels.

For the salad, gently combine crab and about 1/2 cup of the dressing in a medium bowl.

In a large bowl, toss romaine and mixed greens, grated parmesan cheese and bread cubes with some of the remaining dressing. Taste, add more if needed. Divide among 6 (or more) chilled salad plates. Sprinkle some shredded parmesan cheese over each. Grind some fresh black pepper over each serving. Makes 6 or more servings.

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