Taste of Italy

Tomato & Mozzarella Caprese: Ingredients: 8 Thick slices of vine-ripened tomatoes 2 Tbl balsamic vinegar 8 Medium fresh basil leaves 12 oz fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced into 8 slices Dry oregano leaves to taste Sea salt to taste Fresh ground black pepper 2 Tbl extra-virgin olive oil Arrange sliced tomatoes on a large platter. Place one basil leaf on top of each tomato slice. Place 1 slice of mozzrella on top of each basil leaf. Sprinkle oregano, salt and pepper on cheese and drizzle with extra-virgin olive oil. Finish with drizzle of balsamic vinegar.

Bruschetta al Pomodoro:

Ingredients:

4 Roma (plum) tomatoes, diced

2 Garlic cloves, chopped

1 Garlic clove cut in half

Black pepper to taste

Salt to taste

10 Medium fresh basil leaves, chopped

4 Tbl extra-virgin olive oil

8 Slices crusty Italian bread

Extra-virgin olive oil (to drizzle)

Combine diced tomatoes and chopped garlic in a mixing bowl. Season with salt & pepper to taste. Add half of chopped basil and 4 Tbl of extra-virgin olive oil. Drizzle both sides of bread slices with extra-virgin olive oil. Grill bread lightly on both sides. Rub grilled bread with cut half of garlic clove to infuse with flavor. Top each slice with tomato mixture. Garnish with remaining chopped basil and serve immediately.