Mid Day Snackies.

And now, my friends, it's time for a midday snack...  I make this often enough, as an afternoon treat or as a precursor to dinner.  Insalata caprese, aka Caprese salad. A simple salad from the Italian region of Campania.  A tummy pleasing dish made of fresh buffalo mozzarella (or as they say in Italian "mozzarella di bufala"), organic basil leaves straight off the stalk and vine ripe tomatoes seasoned with salt and olive oil.  Some versions add a dash of balsamic vinegar as well, if you prefer the taste.  I like to make mine shove-straight-in-your-face-size for easy consumption.  This is typically served as an antipasto, but sometimes I'll eat a dish for lunch just for kicks.  Sooooo good.  The prep is simple...

2 vine ripe tomatoes
1 container of buffalo mozzarella (they come in racquetball size orbs.)
1 stalk of fresh basil, leaves torn off
Olive oil & salt/pepper to taste

Remove cheese from saline/water solution and pat dry.  Slice mozzarella into 1/2 inch thick pieces and place on serving dish.  Tear off single leaves of basil and place one leaf on top of each mozz slice.  Slice tomato and repeat.  Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with salt (I use cracked pepper as well) and ta-da!!  Instant afternoon yums.

If you are wondering where to find buffalo mozzarella, try Trader Joe's.  It can also be found in most fine food grocery establishments.

Mangia!
B