Thursday, September 19, 2013

Caprese Salad

We had some very hot weather the last several weeks and my garden has really suffered.  The other day, I was surprised to find all these small tomatoes.  What could I do with them?




CAPRESE SALAD!

 
I've seen several food shows make this salad but have never eaten it in a restaurant.  What a nice surprise to see how easy it is to make!  All it takes are tomatoes, mozzarella, fresh basil, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt and pepper!  So easy!!
 
 
 
 
 
And how delicious is this?  Oh, my!  These flavors all work so well together! 
What a late summer treat!!
 
 
Your really don't need a recipe for this, but here's Ree Drummond's recipe (The Pioneer Woman).  She makes a balsamic vinegar reduction but I didn't take the time for that.  It sounds really good, though.  Yummm!
 
 

 

Caprese Salad      (Ree Drummond)

Prep Time:  
Cook Time: 
Difficulty:    Easy       
Servings:      8

Ingredients

  • 2 cups Balsamic Vinegar
  • 3 whole Ripe Tomatoes, Sliced Thick
  • 12 ounces, weight Mozzarella Cheese, Sliced Thick
  • Fresh Basil Leaves
  • Olive Oil, For Drizzling
  • Kosher Salt And Freshly Ground Black Pepper

Preparation Instructions

In a small saucepan, bring balsamic vinegar to a boil over medium-low heat. Cook for 10 to 20 minutes, or until balsamic has reduced to a thicker glaze. Remove from heat and transfer to a bowl or cruet. Allow to cool.

When you're ready to serve, arrange tomato and mozzarella slices on a platter. Arrange basil leaves between the slices. Drizzle olive oil over the top of the salad, getting a little bit on each slice. Do the same with the balsamic reduction, making designs if you want. Store extra balsamic reduction in fridge for a later use.

End with a sprinkling of kosher salt and black pepper. Serve as a lunch, with crusty bread. Or serve alongside a beef main course for dinner.
 

2 comments:

My Garden Diaries said...

Your tomatoes are amazing!!! Look at them all!!! And your Caprese Salad looks delicious!!!!!!! Have an outstanding weekend you!!!

Haddock said...

Love those tomatoes, especially the first photograph.