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Mozzarella
Summer of Salads: Caprese Salad
Here on the West Coast, we haven't been hard-hit by the year's devastating tomato blight, so I've been taking advantage of my good fortune by supporting growers of heirloom tomatoes (perhaps a little too much; the other day I bought $21 worth of them!). As a salad fanatic, I had to make my favorite type of tomato salad.
The insalata Caprese, which literally translates to "salad from Capri," is composed of three main ingredients: fresh mozzarella, vine-ripened tomatoes, and basil leaves.
Fast & Easy Dinner: Steak With Fennel, Lemon, and Mozzarella
If you're sick and tired of the average steak dinner, consider giving this creative recipe a whirl. The preparation is simple and straightforward grilling, but the combination of ingredients — tri-tip, fennel, lemons, and mozzarella — is out of the ordinary and unexpected. Each element serves a purpose: the hearty, charred steak is juicy, the anise-flavored fennel is crunchy, the soft, melted cheese is creamy, and the tangy, caramelized lemon is sour.
Fast & Easy Dinner: Tomato and Grilled Veggie Stack
When the weather is incredibly hot, I crave crunchy, cool vegetables and flavorful salads. However, after a month and a half of Summer, the same old salad can get boring. This recipe takes the salad concept and translates it into a fork and knife meal.
Fast & Easy Dinner: Gazpacho With Mozzarella Sandwiches
In terms of classic culinary combinations, there is nothing quite as comforting as a bowl of tomato soup paired with a crisp grilled cheese sandwich. This satisfying duo is a staple during colder months and now, with this recipe, it can translate to Summer.
Chunks of tomatoes are pureed with red wine vinegar and tomato juice to create a simple and pure gazpacho.
Happy Hour: Tomato Water Martini
When the Summer's in full swing, I pretty much live on tomatoes. I eat them out of hand and in salads, drink them in gazpacho — and now, thanks to Michael Chiarello, I can swim in them! In addition to making fresh mozzarella on the spot and singing the virtues of sustainable agriculture, chef Chiarello also introduced the audience to a savory martini made from tomato water, a clear liquid with a delicate, acidic flavor that's produced when tomatoes are strained of their juices.
Come Party With Me: High School Graduation — Menu
This week I'm planning the ultimate high school graduation party. Most high schools host a grad night after the ceremony where students get to celebrate together one last time. To ensure that they won't miss the festivities at either the grad night or their family's gathering, throw the personal party in the days following the graduation.
Fast & Easy Dinner: Open-Faced Grilled Eggplant Sandwiches
Get excited for Summer's bounty of produce with this quick vegetarian recipe. It's a fresh take on classic eggplant Parmesan. Instead of breading the thick-cut eggplant steaks, the bread (preferably country style) acts as a base for the open-faced sandwich.
'Wich of the Week: Prosciutto and Mango Panini
Prosciutto and melon is a classic Italian appetizer, but right now, the abundance of juicy, summery mango is too tempting to resist. Combined with the salty, cured ham, this tropical fruit works just as well, especially when freshly cut mint from your garden (or grocery store) is added to the mix.
To balance out the bold trio of mango, prosciutto, and mint, I went basic with the rest of the ingredients: bitter arugula to cut the sweetness, simple hollowed-out ciabatta for the bread, and mild mozzarella to meld it all together.
Say Cheese! Fresh Mozzarella, Italian Sausage Calzones
Mozzarella is a widely known, mild Italian cheese that's made from a pulling, stretching, and cutting technique. At one time, all mozzarella was made from water buffalo milk, but now it's commonly made with cow's milk. Fresh mozzarella is packaged in water or whey and has a soft texture and delicate flavor.
Fast & Easy Dinner: Mini Meat Loaves With Green Beans
I'm a sucker for minis and always look for recipes that shrink a dish to individual portions. This recipe for mini meat loaves does just that! Instead of making one large loaf and slicing it into pieces, give each member of your family a mini meat loaf patty.
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