Summer

Ok, so I have been slacking in my posts and am feeling the shame of abandoning the Gourmande site. But not for a lack of cooking. So I will offer you all a few fun, easy, speedy recipes of summer!

Caprese Salad

Vine Ripened Tomatoes
Fresh Buffalo Mozzarella
Fresh Basil
High Quality Extra Virgin Olive Oil
High Quality Balsamic Vinegar
Salt and Pepper

Slice tomatoes into slices. Slice mozzarella into slices. Place tomatoes and mozzarella on a plate alternating each slice of tomato with a slice of mozzarella. Overlap slices. Place a basil leaf on each piece of mozzarella. Place more basil in the center of the plate. Sprinkle everything with salt and pepper then drizzle with olive oil and balsamic.

Yum!!


Panzanella

Tomatoes
Cucumber (Waxless)
Red Onion
Basil
Chives
Olive Oil
Red Wine Vinegar
Salt and Pepper
Day-old Country Loaf of Wheat Bread

Make croutons: Cut bread into one inch cubes. Toss in olive oil and bake in a 350 oven for about 15 minutes.

Cut tomatoes into bite size pieces, peel cucumber leaving alternating strips of skin present. Cut into 1/4 inch thick quarters. Slice red onion into thin slices, halve. Chop basil and chives. Mix all ingredients into bowl. Let sit so the bread absorbs the juices and becomes soft.
Serve!!

Wine Suggestions (for both dishes): Sauvignon Blanc, dry rose, or Tocai Friulano from north-east Italy.