Low-Fat Caesar Dressing and Baked Croutons

I have been slacking hardcore on postings. For some reason during the end of this summer I have been a little lazy. Plus this is one of the hottest summers we have had in a while and when it's sunny out, my house becomes an oven. I am pretty sure that is one reason why I haven't been cooking a lot lately too. There is no way I am turning on the oven and making my house even hotter. So maybe when I stop melting and the weather gets a bit cooler I will get up and start cooking more. I having been trying my hardest to find recipes that don't include baking or even using the stove. It's quite hard, so I have been just microwaving left overs or frozen dinners to save myself the extra heat. Lets hope fall gets here soon, I can't wait to start using fall ingredients!

This is a great simple recipe. I suggest making a large batch and saving the rest for later. I had a request do to just that from my mom, and I plan on jarring some up! Caesar dressing always is too bitter for me and I wanted to make one that was a little more sweet and lemony. That is exactly what I got. I left out the anchovies that originally come in caesar dressing, because well...it's anchovies. Without those salty little fish taking over my dressing, I believe that is why I didn't get a strong bitter taste. There was definitely a zest from the lemon and robust flavor from the Worcestershire sauce. Seriously, if you haven't made your own caesar dressing do it. Not only will you know what's in it and how healthy it can be, but it's so simple!!

I forgot to picture the basil, please forgive me! :)

Line your baking sheet with foil for an easy clean up!

So crunchy and flavorful!

Low-Fat Caesar Dressing
Adapted from lowfatcooking.com

Ingredients:
1/3 cup non-fat mayonnaise
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon olive oil
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon white wine vinegar
1 garlic clove, minced and crushed
1/8 teaspoon dried basil
1 tablespoon Parmesan cheese

Directions:

1. Combine all ingredients together with a whisk until fully combined. Pour over salad. 

Makes 1/2

Nutrition: (2 tablespoons) Calories 82; Fat 5g; Protein 3g; Cholesterol 7mg; Carb 7mg; Fiber 0g

Baked Croutons

Ingredients:

Day old bread cut into 1/2 cubes (French or Italian work best)

Olive Oil (basil infused, garlic infused, or extra virgin)

Salt and Pepper to taste

Onion Powder

Garlic Powder

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350º.
2. Spread bread cubes in an even layer on a foil lined baking sheet.
3. Pour olive oil over bread, tossing every so often until all are cover evenly with oil. Sprinkle with salt and pepper, onion power, and garlic powder to taste.
4. Bake at 350º for 10 to 15 minutes, turning half way through.