Ingredients

2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil

1 loaf rustic Italian bread (8 to 10 ounces), crusts removed, cut into 1/4-inch cubes

2 teaspoons salt

1/4 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

2 garlic cloves

4 anchovy fillets

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon freshly ground pepper

1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice

1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard

1 large egg yolk

1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil

20 ounces romaine lettuce, outer leaves discarded, inner leaves washed and dried

1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese or Romano cheese, or 2 1/2 ounces shaved with a vegetable peeler

Preparation

Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Combine the butter and olive oil in a large bowl. Add the cubes of bread, and toss until coated. Sprinkle with salt, cayenne pepper, and black pepper; toss until evenly coated. Spread the bread in a single layer on a 12-by-17-inch baking sheet. Bake until croutons are golden, about 10 minutes. Set aside.

Place the garlic, anchovy fillets, and salt in a wooden salad bowl. Using two dinner forks, mash the garlic and anchovies into a paste. Using one fork, whisk in the pepper, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, and egg yolk. Whisk in the olive oil.

Chop the romaine leaves into 1- to 1 1/2-inch pieces. Add the croutons, romaine, and cheese to the bowl, and toss well. If you wish, grate extra cheese over the top. Serve immediately.