Friday, June 13, 2008

Lunch: Caprese Salad


Tomatoes. We have a past. Until I was 18, tomatoes and I were not friends. But, I will never forget the day we started a relationship. I was sitting in my Aunt's kitchen, talking about food. I mentioned my dislike of tomatoes. She looked at me strangely, then asked:
"Have you ever had tomatoes with fresh mozzarella?"
"No."
"Well, I'm going to prepare tomatoes for you."
Ten minutes later she hands me a beautiful plate and proclaims, "This is how tomatoes were meant to be eaten. You eat this salad, and you will like tomatoes."
She was right. As soon as I took a bite of the tomato, mozzarella, and basil, I knew.

I knew that tomatoes and I were going to have to start over, and find a place where we could co exist.

At this point in the post I have to say that I had a caprese salad in Italy last week. I cried as I ate it. I love tomatoes. I love buffalo mozzarella. I love that God created an herb (basil) specifically meant for one of his beloved fruits.

I love you, tomatoes. I'm sorry I ever doubted you.

fresh tomatoes
fresh mozzarella
fresh basil
salt
olive oil

slice tomatoes and arrange on plate. Slice mozarella and arrange on top of tomatoes. Scatter fresh basil over cheese. Drizzle lightly (very lightly) with extra virgin olive oil.