Homemade Caesar Salad and Pizzas...

My older boys had a pizza lunch last week, only they didn't get to eat any. There must have been a confusion since they already have lunch catered by the associated daycare program next door and those who normally brought lunch were offered a slice or two with a boxed drink. Boy were they upset... so what's a mom to do?... Of course, I swoop in with my red cape and save the day from further moans and groans with the promise of a pizza night, but better... we're all going to make our own. It's been a while since we made personalized pizzas and tonight was the night! 

Studies show when kids get involved with the meal preparations they are more likely to eat it, especially since they get to customize it to their own liking. I just had one criteria... that they each choose a topping that they don't normally add... so Étienne chose red and green peppers, Sébastien chose sundried tomatoes and Matias, broccoli. We needed some greens to round out the pies so a nice Caesar salad was in order... and heck make the dressing too... it's really simple to do and I think tastes better than bottled Caesar dressings. Here's my base recipe my sister's been asking me to post:

Susan's Caesar Salad
Makes 4 servings (about 1/2 cup dressing)

6-8 cups of romaine lettuce or romaine lettuce hearts, washed, drained and chopped into bite-sized pieces
1 garlic clove, mashed
1/4 tsp. anchovy paste, or 1/2 anchovy packed in oil, drained and finely chopped
1/2 tsp. olive oil
1/2 cup mayonnaise (my favourite is Hellmann's- when it's good you don't need to make your own)
1/2 tsp. Dijon mustard
two dashes of Worcestershire sauce
freshly ground black pepper 
a good squeeze of fresh lemon 

Mix well the garlic with anchovy paste in the olive oil with a fork in a small bowl. Add remaining ingredients and mix well. Refrigerate until ready to serve. Then toss with lettuce and adjust seasoning to taste. Offer lemon wedges at the table to splash if you wish.

Jazz It Up TIP: Add Parmesan cheese (I omitted as I don't eat most cheeses), chopped cooked-until-crisp bacon slices and croutons to your liking (I will update later on how to bake up your own croutons using old bread).

Toss the Caesar salad with the dressing right before serving.

Try loading up your pizza slices with mixed greens or baby arugula for extra vegetables and texture! Just fold your slice to hold the leaves in and chow!

Success and smiles all around until.....

Thanks mommy, I had a long day... I'm full and exhausted.... zzz!

For step-by-steps and tips on making your own pizzas at home, check out my previous post homemade pizza mania.