Wednesday

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. :)

8 comments:

  1. I know I've said this before, but I so want to be you when I grow up!

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  2. I am definitely going to make this..I love the tomato wrapped in P..And the little cheese round:)

    I like different..
    Pretty and different.

    :)
    Thank you ..xx

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  3. This salad is so pretty! Really like this different take on the old classic. And I love your way of summer meal plan! ;)

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  4. What a lovely version of an old favorite!

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  5. This is Gorgeous! We had another form of this salad tonight
    I just call it ...tomato love!
    Beautiful pics my friend!

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  6. 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

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  7. My goodness ~ thank you for such generous compliments ~ you all are so kind!! :)

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  8. Wow! That looks amazing! What a fabulous idea! Would be wonderful with burrata too.

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Thank you for your comments, friends ~ they make my day!

A Sampling of my food . . .

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