Caprese Salad

Caprese Salad

If you've ever been to an Italian Restaurant in New York or Pennsylvania during the summer months, they will often have this dish as an appetizer.  It's very simple, but with fresh grown tomatoes - it's marvelous!

1 large fresh mozzarella ball - NOT the same as the regular mozzarella you get in the cheese section, look for the word "fresh" on the label.  It's often suspended in liquid in large balls.
Similar quantity fresh tomato slices - yes, I know it's not fresh tomato season yet, I used grocery store "on the vine" tomatoes.  Not even close, really, but I was craving this dish.
3-4 leaves of fresh basil
2-3 T balsamic vinegar
Salt


Layer the tomatoes on top of the cheese slices.  If you can't find a big balls of fresh mozzarella, you can use the little balls in olive oil and Italian seasonings, and just mix the tomato and mozzarella instead of layering it.  Slice up the basil leaves and sprinkle on top and then splash on the balsamic vinegar and sprinkle with salt.  It's that easy, but like so many things, just this particular combination of simple ingredients turns out to be something special!