Ah summer. When I was a kid summer was THE BEST. School was out, the weather was great, there were more things to do and everyone had plenty of time. I grew up in Michigan, and summer was definitely my favorite time of year. I remember swimming and bonfires and camping and FOOD. It was magical. We even ate differently in the summer. Fresh fruits and vegetables were plentiful, whereas they really weren't even available throughout the rest of the year.

As I grew older I somehow lost that summer magic. I moved to southern California with my husband and 3 kids, and summer became just another season, so much like the other seasons. I did my best to create the magic while my kids were young, but by the time they were grown it was gone.

Last year I caught myself dreading summer, and actually heard myself saying the words, "I hate summer." I realized it was time for an intervention. I made a "Summer To Do List" and forced myself to get out there and have fun. I went to the beach, enjoyed Shakespeare in the park, picnicked, swam, watched movies under the stars and ate homemade lavender ice cream AND recruited lots of friends and family to do it all with me. Summer was back! It was such a valuable lesson, as I learned that I have to continue to create my life, my fun.

So as June 21st approaches I've started my new Summer To Do List. I really don't need it anymore, but I'll keep it there as a reminder to create, to enjoy, to have fun.

This blog is part of that. Those of you who know me know that I love good food, and I love to share it with people I love. In an effort to try new things and eat healthily, I've challenged myself to make and share 60 Salads of Summer. My daughter Danica, who is a very creative cook, is helping me. And we're looking forward to sharing the fruits of our labor. I can't promise they'll all be healthy, but I can promise they'll all be delicious. Enjoy!

Saturday, June 21, 2014

3. Caprese Salad


Insalata Caprese is a very simple Italian salad, best made in summer when tomatoes are vine ripened and basil can be picked from the garden.

Use equal amounts of tomatoes, basil and fresh mozzarella, a little salt and pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil and balsamic vinegar to finish off this delicious summer salad.  You can get fancy with the presentation if you like; but I like to keep it simple and concentrate more on the best possible ingredients available.  

3 very nice tomatoes, sliced to produce about 15 slices total
15 slices fresh mozzarella cheese
15 leaves fresh basil
Kosher or coarse sea salt and freshly ground pepper
Olive oil and Balsamic Vinegar

Alternate the tomatoes, cheese and basil.  Season with salt and pepper, and drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar.  Serve right away.  This is a great appetizer salad, and pairs well with bruschetta or bread and cheese.

Serves 5-6 as an appetizer salad







Choose good quality olive oil and balsamic vinegar






My urban herb garden
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3 comments:

  1. AnonymousJune 21, 2014 at 4:34 PM

    Looks delish!

    ReplyDelete
  2. AnonymousJune 21, 2014 at 8:31 PM

    Beautiful! And YAY! You're a blogger! I do love that!
    Love, Joy :)

    ReplyDelete

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