Caprese Salad

Lets have the first post be something simple yet absolutely delicious!! The classic Caprese salad. Unless you want to make homemade croutons, there is no cooking involved in this dish but know that it will impress at the dinner table.

Thick slices of tomatoes - no preference on what type...whatever looks best at your store or if its that great time of the year, go pluck a couple right from your garden! As you place each slice on the plate, make sure you salt and pepper. Don't go crazy, just a small amount on each piece.

Sliced mozzarella cheese...cut to your desired thickness. For this, you will want to get good mozzarella from the specialty cheese area of your grocery store. It will cost a little more but it makes a world of difference.

Ive got baby arugula underneath the stack but feel free to use any greens of your choice or no greens at all. If you have never had arugula...your missing out!!!! This green is full of a beautiful pepper flavor! Use it in a salad....let it wilt in pasta or allow it to be a great topper on a pipping hot homemade pizza!

For the Dressing, I used a small amount of store bought Italian dressing and a drizzle of Balsamic vinegar. If you want more of the traditional way, just use some good extra virgin olive oil and the balsamic.

You can leave it as is or use a garnish of fresh basil. The croutons give the salad a great 'crunch' element. I just used some white Italian bread, cut into small chunks. Olive oil, salt, pepper and baked at 350 till they had a nice toasted exterior. Be careful not to over cook them...you don't want to bite into a rock hard piece of bread.

Do whatever feels right for presentation. No matter how you plate it.....it will be a killer starter course to any meal!!

Cook with Love!