Classic Salad with Blue Cheese Dressing

I think it's because I didn't get to have hot dogs and go to a ball game on July 4th that I've been craving some all-American food. Burgers, chips, that sort of thing, and last night I made a solid burger and this simple salad. The choice of lettuce is up to you, I like to mix a couple different types like Romaine and green leaf. Also, if we weren't on a pinched budget I would have bought more blue cheese and made twice as much dressing - to save some for later!

There are all sorts of make ahead options here - the croutons, the bacon, the dressing - and if you can I suggest you make extra of all: prep twice as much bacon and croutons as you will need and you'll have two salads practically done for the week.

Classic Salad with Blue Cheese Dressing

(serves 6-8)

3 c cubed baguette

1/4 c - 1/3 c veg oil

1/2 lb bacon

1 clove garlic

kosher salt

2 tbs mayo

3 tbs buttermilk

1 1/2 tbs red wine vinegar

1 tsp Dijon

4 oz blue cheese

1/2 onion, sliced thin into half moons

1 celery stalk, thinly sliced crosswise

dash of cayenne

few handfuls of lettuce, chopped

1) Toss the bread chunks with a glug or do of veg oil, then pop them under the broiler until golden.

2) Cook the bacon until crisp, then break into about 1" pieces.

3) Mash the clove of garlic with a pinch or two of salt in a bowl (you can use a fork but a muddler gets the job done more easily).

4) Whisk in the mayo, buttermilk, vinegar and mustard. Slowly add the veg oil while whisking then season with salt and the dash of cayenne.

5) Combine the lettuce, onion, celery, bacon and croutons then dress and serve.