BASIL TOMATOES AND CHEESE SALAD (Caprese)

Mati and Zeke love these! They are usually gone before I can put the rest of the meal on the table! The picture here is a variation of this recipe (see note at end).

Ingredients:
vine-ripe fresh tomatoes, large slices (about 1/4" thick)
fresh mozzarella cheese (soft ball, not brick cheese)
fresh basil, 4 or 5 leaves, opt.
olive oil
balsamic or red wine vinegar
freshly ground pepper
sea salt

Directions:
Slice tomatoes and arrange on plate. Slice mozzarella cheese the same thickness as the tomatoes and place a slice on each tomato slice. Drizzle olive oil and vinegar over tomatoes; sprinkle with salt and pepper and top with chopped basil. (If I don't have fresh basil, I use the McCormick Italian seasonings grinder).

Variation: chop the tomatoes, cube the cheese and add diced and seeded cucumber. If I have croutons, I sometimes add them as well. Makes a great side salad!