I’m totally too cheap to buy store-bought a lot of things:
Granola – huge rip off
Birthday cards, Graduation cards, anything cards – too much for something I can get crafty with at home… except Trader Joe’s, nothing beats a buck.
Cookies – hells no, first off their most likely full of trans-fats and few come close to homemade, besides they’re not warm
Salad Dressing – homemade is super simple, cheaper and chemical free (see below for the Caesar Dressing recipe)
Croutons – I actually never buy them because the back of the package lists one to many names that remind me of chemistry class.. and they’re a bit pricey, at least the same as an entire loaf of bread – and there aren’t that many. So that’s a lot of reasons not to but store-bought and make them at home.
Ya with me?
Alright, let’s go:
Take a slice or two of bread, I figure one slice per person – portion control peeps, portion control, summer’s a comin’.
Cube ‘em up and toss with olive oil and your favorite brand of seasoned salt. OR you could use a mix of garlic powder, dried rosemary, granulated lemon (if avail.), salt, pepper.. etc. At least that’s what is in my fav flavored salt.
Oh yeah, please don’t diss the crumbs – flaked on top, they totally take this dank Spinach Caesar Salad to the next level.
Bake in a 350 degree oven for 4-5 mins. then flip and toast for another 2-3 minutes, until golden brown. Easy peasy.
Also I gots a tip for ya, well it’s actually from Rachel Ray, but I’m here to totes back her up. The Garbage Bowl:
Seriously, this bad boy is a gem for easy clean up and helps me keep things clean and clear of mess as I go. I highly recommend its use for any baking or cooking endeavor.
Cheers,
l 
Homemade Croutons
Serves 2
- 2 slices bread, cubed
- 1-2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 tsp seasoned salt
Start by preheating the oven to 350 degrees, cube up the bread, place in on a parchment paper lined baking sheet and toast for 2-3 minutes. Remove from oven, drizzle on oil, then salt. Toss carefully with your hands. Place back in the oven for another 4-5 minutes, toss and try to flip the croutons, then bake for another 2-3 minutes, until golden brown. Enjoy on salad.
Homemade Caesar Dressing
Serves 4
- 2-3 anchovies
- 1 garlic clove
- 1 lemon, juiced
- 2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 Tbsp mayonnaise
- 1 tsp dijon mustard
- 1/8 tsp sea salt
- 1/8 tsp freshly ground black pepper
Add everything to a food processor. Blend until smooth. Enjoy on salad.
The post Home Croutons and Cesaer Dressing appeared first on The Talking Kitchen.
