Tomato Caprese

Tomato caprese is one of my absolute favorite salads.  I have been waiting forever for my basil to finally grow so that I can enjoy this fresh delicious salad. All I got were these two piddly little basil stems though, so I may be planting more soon. 

Since I only had two little basil stems, I used them as a garnish instead of layering basil leaves between the cheese and tomatoes.  My husband and I got to enjoy the basil all to ourselves since the boys were not exactly fighting over it. 

I use a store bought balsamic glaze that I buy at a local specialty food store. When we travelled to Italy a few years ago we fell in love with a similar balsamic glaze (that was long ago devoured) so we were so excited to find one locally.  

If you can't find a balsamic glaze, you can make a simple balsamic reduction. Pioneer Woman has easy to follow instructions.  

You don't really need a recipe for this, but here ya go.

Ingredients:

Tomatoes
Fresh mozzarella
Fresh basil leaves
Olive oil
Balsamic glaze or balsamic reduction
Salt and fresh ground pepper (optional)

1.  Layer slices of tomato and fresh mozzarella cheese on a platter, placing basil leaves between the slices or as a garnish.

2.  Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic glaze.  Salt and pepper to taste if desired. I don't usually salt and pepper.  The glaze has so much flavor on its own.   

Yum

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