Questo è deliziosa!?!

Caprese

I have found my new love -&- it is Caprese...in any way shape or form!?!
This is a delicious Italian recipe that is fast becoming my new best friend...it is easy to prepare -&-
not very expensive!?!
And, apparently it is quite versatile because within the span of the last 3 days I have had it 4 different ways...
* Made into a sauce & served warm over your choice of pasta!?!
* The original & always delicious salad (recipe included below)!?!
* A pizza variation that was to die for!?!
* Warm with grilled chicken thrown in the mix!?!
And, yes my friends they were all delicious!?!
So, if you like fresh, ripe tomatoes, mouth watering mozzarella cheese, fresh basil -&- EVOO (extra virgin olive oil) -&- balsamic vinegar then I have found a gem for you...


Here is my favorite version of the recipe (with a few extras added for my flavor):


Caprese Salad-Insalata Caprese

Ingredients:


3 large fresh tomatoes
16 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese
1/2 small red onion, sliced thin or the ends of a bunch of green onions chopped up
1/2 cup sliced black olives, experiment with different kinds of olives and slice them up
1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
1/3 cup balsamic vinegar
1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
1/8 cup fresh oregano
1/2 clove of minced garlic (optional - but tasty)
kosher salt & fresh ground pepper


Directions:
1 Slice Mozzarella Cheese into small slices.
2 Slice tomatoes thick.
Be sure to remove all of the core and the bottom little black dot.
3 Combine tomatoes and Cheese with the remaining ingredients.
4 Toss Well and make sure everything is coated.
5 Chill for 1 hour ( minimum), although you don't want to leave in the refrigerator too long
--you don't want it to become to mushy.
6 When ready to serve, arrange tomatoes on a large platter, put some of the cheese slices/
chunks on each of the tomatoes.
7 Work in olives and onions to make it pretty.
8 Drizzle remaining dressing over this.
9 Garnish with Fresh Basil Leaves -&- Oregano.