Dressing: Chop cilantro, one small one garlic clove, and a pinch of kosher salt. Use the side of a knife blade to mash garlic into a paste, then scrape in the medium bowl.

Mash avocado and mixed with other ingredients add 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, and the 3/4 teaspoon Dijon mustard.

Adding drop by drop to start, gradually whisk in olive oil; whisk until dressing is thick and glossy. Whisk in 3 tablespoons finally grated Parmesan. Season with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and more lemon juice, if desired. Can be made one day ahead…

Use whole leaves from three Romain hearts to feed six people. They provide the ideal mix of Christmas, surface area, and structure. The cheese Caesars crammed with a mound of grated Parmesan make it look impressive, but all that clumpy cheese messes up the dressing. Instead, use a vegetable peeler to thinly shaved a modest amount on top for little salty bursts.

Use your hands gently to toss the weathers, croutons, and dressing, and then drop off with the shaved Parmesan.