O'Charley's Black and Blue Caesar Salad

When cooking the beef for this salad, remember that restaurants have huge exhaust fans, capable of pulling all fumes, and possibly small chefs, out of the kitchen. When testing the recipe, we compensated by starting both the stove-hood exhaust and a window fan (only 4 feet from the burner) before heating the skillet.

1 ounce shredded Parmesan cheese (about 1/4 cup), divided
1 1/4 cups large croutons, divided
3 1/2 cups chopped romaine lettuce
1/4 cup Caesar dressing
3 slices Roma tomato
1 (6 ounce) sirloin steak
2 tablespoons margarine, melted
1 to 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese
1/4 cup cooked diced bacon, heated

In a large bowl, sprinkle about half the Parmesan and half the croutons over romaine; add dressing and toss well. Place in a chilled pasta bowl or large soup plate; sprinkle with remaining Parmesan, creating a "snowcap" effect. Add tomato slices on one side; refrigerate.

In a very well-ventilated area or outdoors, heat a cast-iron skillet over high heat. Brush one side of sirloin with melted margarine; sprinkle to taste with Cajun seasoning. Place seasoned-side down in skillet. (Caution: There might be a slight flame when meat is placed in skillet.) While first side is cooking, brush second side with melted margarine and sprinkle with additional seasoning. Cook about 2 minutes; turn and cook 2 to 3 minutes more, or to desired degree of doneness. Cut into 1/2-inch slices.

Fan sliced steak over salad; top with blue cheese, bacon and remaining croutons.

Yield: 1 main dish serving.