Caprese (Tomato, Mozzarella, and Basil salad)

Classic summer salad, light years away from anything you can make outside of fresh, local tomato season.

 Slice several tomatoes into ¼ inch thicknesses.  Use a variety of tomato sizes and colors- such as green zebra and striped german- to add even more visual appeal to this already bright dish.

 Arrange the tomato slice on a plate and place a slice of cheese on top of each; mozzarella is classic but fresh ricotta makes a great local substitution.

 Roll up several large basil leaves and slice thinly to end up with enough basil ribbons to generously sprinkle over all the tomato slices.

 Drizzle olive oil and balsamic over the top and season well with salt and fresh ground pepper.

Serve with a nice crusty bread to soak up the leftover tomato juice/oil/vinegar mixture