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:   5 Minutes

Cook Time:  20 Minutes

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.

 

http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2011/06/caprese-salad/

Thank Goodness for the Garden

Well, it happened.  After our annual trips to the doctors, both Wonderful Hubby and I were told those dreaded words, "At your age, you might consider losing a little weight."  We decided to go on the Weight Watchers diet together.  If you know anything about this eating plan you know every item you put in your mouth is given a point value.  At the beginning, depending on your current weight, you are given a point goal for each day and even some 'cheating' points for times when you want or need to deviate from the plan.  Vegetables and fruits, for the most part, are FREE = 0 points!!

Yesterday began week 2 of this weight loss adventure and I think we are settling into a rhythm.  I really like to cook and all last week I felt out of my element.  But after seeking out recipes on the WW website and the internet, I think I'm ready to do this.

This morning I went out to the garden.  We were gone this weekend and I hadn't been there in several days.  What a delicious surprise!!  LOTS OF ZERO POINTS greeted me!!!

 
Green beans, cabbage, tomatoes, zucchini and LOTS of cucumbers!!!!   We shall not starve on this diet!!
 
 
 
We also have several other veggies waiting in the wings.....
 
 
In a few days/weeks we should also be enjoying: 
 
 
OKRA!

Red and Yellow Peppers!  They need to ripen up.

Squash! (I planted butternut squash so I hope that's what this ripens into!)

Sweet Corn!!!! (Ok, I know that's a point or two ..... without the butter .... but who can resist it??)

We also have a lot more green beans to harvest!  I've already canned some for winter.

Yes, that's a live trap to the left.  The squirrels are making unwanted visits.  They need to be moved some place else! 



My tomato plants didn't get in this round of pictures.  They are in the back of the garden and I was running out of battery.  They have quite a few green ones on the vine with more blooms! 



I'm so thankful our weather has been good this year.  Last year was extremely HOT and DRY!  We had to water and tomatoes were about all we harvested.   This year the garden has had plenty of moisture and the compost from the rabbits we raise has really helped. 


I will try to update you on our progress and, if I happen upon some REALLY tasty recipes, I'll share them with you.  Who cares if they're healthy, as long as they are tasty!!!

Have a great week!

 

 

Linking to:

 

Home{work} Wednesday

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