Easy, Breezy, Beautiful Caprese!

Well, I'm a little late.  When Jen asked me to be a guest blogger I think we both expected me to get right on it.  But, you know, life happens.  So here I am, finally!  I'm going to cut right to the chase.  Caprese salad.  If you have never had it, I will mourn for you.  I have this obsession with fresh mozzarella, basil, and tomato.  This obsession is never sated.  This obsession is why I go weak in the knees for a Margherita pizza.  So, now that you know this about me, I think you will understand why I love Caprese salad so much.  Last night we ate this for dinner with a chunk of warm baguette.  Today I ate this for lunch with a chunk of slightly stale baguette.  Every time I take a bite, I marvel at the flavors going to town on my taste buds.  And it just keeps me coming back for more.  For some reason my boyfriend hates the word Caprese, so it also sometimes goes by "that one salad with basil and mozzarella" and then when he doesn't know what I'm talking about I have to say, "You know... caprese?"  And then he shudders.  Whatever it's called, one thing is certain, it's delicious.

Caprese Salad

This is more something you throw together rather than a recipe, but I'll do my best with the directions.

1 container fresh mozzarella balls (I got mine at Whole Foods for $3.99)
Tomatoes - I used cherry last night, and on-the-vine today.  If you use anything but cherry or grape tomatoes, slice thin and remove seeds.
Fresh Basil
Olive Oil
Balsamic Vinegar
Salt & Pepper

For one salad, wash a small handful of basil and pat dry.  Place on a small salad plate.  If using cherry/grape tomatoes, top basil with a small handful.  Otherwise, thinly slice one tomato and remove seeds.  Place tomato on top of basil.  Depending on how much cheese you want, add 4-6 mozzarella balls.  Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar and sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste.

Makes a nice appetizer salad or a light dinner.

Also, I wish I had a picture to share with you, but both salads were eaten before I even thought to take a picture.  So here's someone else's picture of some tomatoes!  Image Tomato heaven by: holtmi.


-Katie