Caprese Salad

Ingredients

• 2 c. balsamic vinegar
• 3 whole ripe tomatoes, sliced thick
• 12 oz. mozzarella cheese, sliced thick
• fresh basil leaves
• olive oil, for drizzling
• kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

Directions

Bring the balsamic vinegar to a boil over medium-low heat in a small saucepan. Cook for 10 to 20 minutes, or until the balsamic has reduced to a thicker glaze. Remove it from the heat and transfer to a bowl or cruet. Allow to cool.

When you’re ready to serve, arrange tomato and mozzarella slices on a platter. Arrange basil leaves between the slices. Drizzle olive oil over the top of the salad, getting a little bit on each slice. Do the same with the balsamic reduction, making designs if you want. Store extra balsamic reduction in fridge for a later use.

End with a sprinkling of kosher salt and black pepper. Serve as a lunch, with crusty bread, or serve alongside a beef main course for dinner.