The summer tomatoes are so good, in fact, it makes eating tomatoes out of season seem ridiculous! One of my favorite ways to enjoy these gems is in a Caprese Salad. I watched a show by Giada de Laurentis about her family's summer getaway on the island of Capri and I guess this dish has some connection to the place. Anyway the island is beautiful in the Mediterrian sort of way, a town built in to the side of a stone faced island, only accessed by boat. A lasting memory from the show was a restaurant patio covered in lemon trees, the trees woven together into a sort of lattice that provided shade for dining. Stunning to say the least. Anyway, it was after this show that I began the enjoy this salad, very simple and easy to throw to together from a well stocked pantry for guests or your self to enjoy in no time.
Caprese Salad
(serves one)
1 med slicing tomato or Roma, sliced
small ball (4oz) fresh mozzerella sliced or medalion shaped(my favorite is the small ball from TJ's, make sure it is the "fresh" variety)
good balsamic vinegar
extra virgin olive oil (my current favorite is Californian grown from TJ's or fresh and easy)
salt and pepper
1 tsp capers, rinsed
a few basil leaves, sliced into thin ribbons
Slice the tomatoes and mozzarella, enough cheese to equal number of tomato slices. Lay mozzarella on a plate and top with a tomato slice. Drizzle with balsamic vinegar and olive oil. Sprinkle with kosher salt and freshly ground pepper. Sprinkle on basil ribbons and capers.
Serve.
