Little Plates & Adriatic Dreams

Summer is time for fresh... everything! It is also time when I find myself reaching for little dishes. And my go-to is my favorite appetizer— Caprese salad. If I’m being honest, I think I love it because, to me, it is a vehicle to consumer balsamic vinegar. Balsamic is one of my favorite flavors— sweet with a hint of tangy always wins. And if its aged, even better.

Is it a fancy salad? Nope. But I think its pretty. And even more important, the flavors are amazing. The delicious juices of a tomato mixed the the almost floral taste of the light basil are the perfect contrast for the creaminess of the mozzarella. Put together all the ingredients create the perfect summer salad. I like to have some French or Italian bread on the side because it is a crime to leave any aged balsamic on a plate. I do not skimp (as you can see below), so there is always some left.

This is what I had yesterday as I coped with yet another day of rain here in the Midwest, that is starting to make everything feel like fall. And I AM NOT READY FOR THAT. So instead I am enjoying the last months of summer with all the flavors of the season. I also started watching my favorite gardener in the world, Monty Don’s Adriatic Gardens (I also love the French gardens series. Just gorgeous).

In this series, he visits beautiful gardens in countries along the Adriatic Sea, and the images and sounds (plus his amazing descriptions) are enhancing my summer feelings. Also, I now want to visit Corfu and Croatia. I am loving it so much that this is how I will spend today too!

Have a wonderful week ahead!

Caprese Salad (1 Serving)

Ingredients:

  • 4 slices mozzarella cheese

  • 4 slices tomatoes (use heirloom tomatoes to make it even more flavorful)

  • 4-6 basil leaves, whole or torn. I stay away from chopping basil leaves because they wilt.

  • Balsamic vinegar (preferably aged)

  • Slices of French or Italian bread

  • Salt and pepper to taste (for tomatoes)

Steps: Arrange all this goodness in a plate and drizzle the balsamic vinegar over it. Serve and enjoy!