Farm Fresh and Fabulous! Tomatoes & Fresh Mozzarella Salad (Insalata Caprese)

    I feel blessed to live on Long Island, especially during the summertime, when it flaunts its lush green landscapes and beautiful waterways. Home to many family owned farmsteads, the north and south shores are certainly the place to be this time of year. So, take full advantage by supporting your local farms and farmer’s markets; they are the ones that provide us with fresh, local grown vegetables, fruits, flowers, herbs, honey, homemade jellies, breads, pies and more. 
    However, it’s those robust and juicy ripened tomatoes that I really love most! Tomatoes sliced with fresh mozzarella and basil, tomatoes with fresh string beans and potato salad, tomato sauce, tomato sandwiches—truly the essence of summer to me! 
    There’s something so special about eating and shopping outdoors. The feeling of local camaraderie, combined with the exchanging of recipes and forming of friendships, is what makes shopping at farmer’s markets a unique and warm experience. My advice is to head out early in the day – while the selection is still at it’s best – since vendors usually have a limited supply to sell. During your outing, plan your meals around the local varieties that are in season (try to keep it light and healthy during the summer). Also, plan on bringing cash, as this is usually the preferred method of payment. 
    For those who enjoy home cooked meals, now is the time to experiment with fresh ingredients and to taste all the delicious flavors created in your dishes. Here is a quick and simple recipe that I prepare as a side and sometimes even a meal. Full of pure, simple flavors: a delicious tomato and fresh mozzarella salad with basil– no cooking required. Add a grilled baguette that’s been brushed with olive oil for dipping, a glass of wine and of course, eat outside! Yum! Enjoy and see you at the market Saturday morning.

Tomatoes & Fresh Mozzarella Salad (Insalata Caprese)

Ingredients
6 ripened tomatoes
¾ cup fresh basil chopped or whole leaf
½ cup good olive oil 
½ t sea salt
Fresh ground pepper
1 t fresh or dried chopped oregano or marjoram
8 oz fresh mozzarella

Slice the tomatoes vertically rather than horizontally, as this helps them stay firmer in your salad. Slice the fresh mozzarella and layer alternating slices of tomato and cheese, adding basil leaves between each layer. Season and drizzle with oil. Let sit for 15-20 minutes to draw out the juices of the tomato and marinate the flavors. Enjoy!!! xoxo Denise