1. Caprese Salad

 

Caprese Salad

                         INGREDIENTS:
*3-4 Roma Tomatoes -or-
*2 vine-ripened tomatoes
*2-3 cloves of garlic (or more! depends on how much you like!!)
*1/2- 1lb fresh Mozzarella (preferrably the kind floating in all its lovely juices)
*3 fresh Basil leaves (extra for garnish)
*1 tsp fresh oregano
*1/4 tsp fresh rosemary
*1/4 tsp fresh thyme
-OR-
(You can use Italian Seasoning if you dont have fresh Rosemary and Thyme. Just go easy on the basil and oregano at first and adjust accordingly after).
*Extra virgin Olive Oil

PREPARATION:
Slice tomatoes as thinly or as thick as you would like. I prefer to cut them about 1/4 inch thick (depending on the tomato). Set tomatoes aside and cut Mozzarella into slices comparable to tomatoes. Alternate slices on a plate or serving platter as shown or however looks best to you! Gather fresh herbs, roll into a log, finely chop. Mince garlic. Combine herbs, garlic and about 1/2 cup EVOO in a small bowl and mix well. Pour olive oil mixture over tomatoes and mozzarella, garnish with fresh basil leaves… and allow to sit in fridge for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavor to develop.

Adjust herbs and garlic to your personal taste. My family loooves garlic, so I always add a little extra. Also, if it doesnt seem like there is enough olive oil, add more! You don’t want to drown your tomatoes and mozzarella, but you want to make sure they are covered in the mixture. It won’t hurt to add extra!