You Can Grill That?

Wednesday date night was a success! Except for the 20 minutes I was asleep in the movie theater. Whoops. I blame the bottle of Pinot Noir Jerry and I split at dinner. (Sorry for the lack of pics, I am still working up the nerve to whip out my camera at a restaurant).
After work yesterday I was on a mission to find a new blender. Our knock-off Magic Bullet crapped out on us, and I didn't want to be smoothie-less until the weekend. I decided on the Ninja Master Prep Pro. I'm sure you've seen the infomercial.
When I got home we put the Ninja to good use. We were having grilled Caesar salad with scallops for dinner, so I made the dressing in the blender.

Caesar Dressing

• small clove garlic
• juice of one large lemon
• 1/2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 2 anchovies
• 2 Tbls mayo or yogurt (I used 1 Tbls of each)
• 2 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan or Pecorino cheese
• salt and pepper

I don't use egg in my dressing, but feel free to substitute one yolk for the mayo/yogurt. Throw everything into your blender or food processor and pulse until smooth. Taste and then add the salt, since the anchovy and cheese are so salty. You won't need much. And I beg you, please try it with the anchovies. It is so much better.

After the dressing was made Jer wanted to test out a frozen drink. He put frozen strawberries, ice, lime juice, pineapple juice, and a handful of mint into the blender. Voila!

Sweet and refreshing. This would be fab with a little rum.
As we enjoyed our drinks I asked Jerry to heat up the grill. This is the conversation that ensued:

Jer: "I thought you were cooking the scallops inside".
Me: "I am."
Jer: "Then why am I turning on the grill?"
Me: "For the romaine."
Jer: "The romaine?"
Me: "Yes".
Jer: "The lettuce?"
Me: "Yes, we are grilling the lettuce."
Jer: "You can grill that?!"

Why yes, yes you can.

I sliced a head of romaine in half and drizzled with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Jerry cooked it on high, for about one minute per side.
We topped the grilled romaine with homemade garlic croutons, seared sea scallops, a sprinkle of pecorino cheese, and lots of garlicky Caesar dressing.

I really enjoyed the grilled lettuce. It was charred and wilted on the outside, and crisp and cool on the inside.

So far I am impressed with the Ninja blender. I made a great smoothie for breakfast this morning and I'd like to do some experimenting with the chopping function. Maybe make some salsa? I'm planning a chimichurri for dinner next week. And lots more frozen drinks! I'll keep you all posted whether or not I recommend the Ninja.

Tonight we are headed to a BBQ at a friend's house. Tomorrow I am hoping to get a 5 mile run in, head to the farmer's market, and possibly go blueberry picking. I can't wait to enjoy all the sunshine this weekend!
Happy Weekend, Friends!