Romaine Hearts with Basil Garlic Dressing

     This restaurant style house salad has an uncomplicated presentation.  The basil garlic dressing is a house dressing that I made at a small Italian restaurant several years ago.  Complimentary house salads are not a thing of the past!
    
     Basil Garlic Dressing Recipe:
     This recipe makes enough for 2 portions!
     Place 5 tablespoons of finely minced fresh basil into a small mixing bowl.
     Add 4 cloves of finely minced garlic.
     Add 1 egg yoke.
     Add 1 drop of olive oil at a time, while constantly whisking, till an aioli starts to form.
     Pour a very thin stream of virgin olive oil into the dressing, while constantly whisking, till a thick basil aioli forms.  (This will require about 4 ounces of virgin olive oil.)
     Add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice.
     Add sea salt and black pepper.
     Add a l teaspoon of warm water at a time, while whisking, till the dressing becomes a medium thin thin consistency.
     Set the dressing aside for 10 minutes.
   
     Romaine Hearts with Basil Garlic Dressing: 
     Place 2 romaine hearts in a plate.
     Place 4 plum tomato slices around the romaine hearts.
     Place 4 slices of peeled seeded cucumber on the tomatoes.
     Place black olive halves one the cucumber slices.
     Generously spoon the dressing over the romaine hearts. , s
     Sprinkle some shaved parmesan cheese on the romaine.
     Garnish with a basil sprig.
    
     Simple, delicious and healthy!  The basil garlic dressing has a strong flavor, with plenty of basil oil "bite."  This is a great salad to start an evening of fine dining!  ...  Shawna