What a Tomato! (Caprese Salad, done differently)
I don't know about you, but my summer meal planning
and strategy is entirely different than the way
I approach meals during other seasons.
I tend to spend more time outdoors in summer
and for the most part, less time in the kitchen ~
most of the time I choose simpler fare that can be
prepared quickly. Instead of a full blown meal
I gravitate towards a small plate of this or that
when I'm hungry. This is just the kind of lunch
(or light dinner) that calls my name during
warm weather.
It would make a wonderful appetizer, too.
(This brilliant method comes from the kitchen of Donna Hay. Yay for Donna Hay!)
Basically it's a different take on the classic
Italian Caprese salad which is comprised of sliced
juicy tomatoes, sliced mozzarella, fresh basil,
and drizzled with olive oil, vinegar, or a vinaigrette.
This method changes things up a bit by wrapping
a ripe, whole tomato in a thin slice of prosciutto, place on a
shallow-rimmed baking sheet (lined with parchment)
sprinkle tomato with salt and pepper, drizzle with olive oil.
Bake the tomato in a hot oven (390ºF/200ºC) for
12 to 15 minutes* until the tomato is hot and the
prosciutto is slightly crisp.
To assemble:
(For each serving)
On a salad plate place the baked tomato beside a
smallish size ball of fresh mozzarella
(ripped open so the cheese can absorb the oil and vinegar),
drizzle with 1 Tablespoon white wine vinegar and
2 Tablespoons olive oil, shower with freshly ground
black pepper and garnish with as many
fresh basil leaves as you like.
* Best with vine-ripened tomatoes; the ones I used were on the smallish-medium size and almost ripe, so I only baked for 10 minutes.
Best to keep an eye on them at the 10 minute point to see
if you would like them more well done.
Then get yourself a knife and fork and enjoy that vibrant taste
of summer one more time before it's gone. Enjoy!
Have a wonderful day, friends! Thank you for stopping by. :)
I know I've said this before, but I so want to be you when I grow up!
ReplyDeleteI am definitely going to make this..I love the tomato wrapped in P..And the little cheese round:)
ReplyDeleteI like different..
Pretty and different.
:)
Thank you ..xx
This salad is so pretty! Really like this different take on the old classic. And I love your way of summer meal plan! ;)
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely version of an old favorite!
ReplyDeleteThis is Gorgeous! We had another form of this salad tonight
ReplyDeleteI just call it ...tomato love!
Beautiful pics my friend!
Oh Mary, you have been out doing yourself, from your mushroom salad, the Artichoke and Feta Tarts, Wings, Turnovers, Corn, and now that new twist on a caprese salad. I want them all. Your salad looks divine and will definitely be on the menu here this week. ~Ann
ReplyDeleteMy goodness ~ thank you for such generous compliments ~ you all are so kind!! :)
ReplyDeleteWow! That looks amazing! What a fabulous idea! Would be wonderful with burrata too.
ReplyDelete