Mozzarella On Purpose

My Mother-in-Law read my post, “Mozzarella – Just Because” and decided that I needed to try fresh
mozzarella and tomatoes.  As part of my birthday present, she brought me those very things – fresh mozzarella and tomatoes on the vine .  This time I had mozzarella on purpose and not just because.  She was right!  I did need try them.

I sampled a slice of tomato with a slice of mozzarella on the top and carefully tasted it.  The texture wasn’t at all like the fried cheese stick – not rubbery, but rather smooth and cool.  It was fresh and refreshing.  The taste was subtle, but not boring. 

I decided to serve them for the husband and me along with leftovers from the Pick Your Patty Porch Party.  I placed the plate next to a big bowl of Peppered Vegetable Salad that my mom made.  It had a mixture of cauliflower, bell peppers, and my favorite – olives, and was dripping with a delicious, peppery vinaigrette dressing.  I was suddenly inspired and grabbed an olive out of the bowl and with a bit of dressing dripping from its sides I put it on top of a mozzarella tomato stack and popped it in my mouth.  And then the flavors exploded!  Adding a tangy and peppery flavored olive made the mozzarella seem even creamier, the tomato even fresher.  It’s interesting how mixing food can make the original so much stronger.  The same goes for family.  Thank you to my mother-in-law and my mom for making such wonderful food and inspiring me to try new things.

The next night I was inspired to prepare a  Caprese Salad to accompany the many leftovers from the Pick
Your Patty Porch Patty.  Honestly, with so many leftovers I was lazy in cooking.  I really didn't follow a recipe.  Instead, I alternated tomato and mozzarella slices and fanned them out on a plate.  Then I sprinkled olive oil, salt, pepper, and dried basil over them and then add spring mix salad for a somewhat healthy side dish.  Not only was it a beautiful presentation, but it was delicious too.