Caprese

Last week a friend and I wanted to meet up for dinner to catch up.  The only thing was we couldn't decide where to eat.  We both wanted something healthy, fresh, and simple.  But unfortunately, the location that would be best for us to meet up was only filled with not so healthy chain restaurants.  Instead, I offered her to come to my house and I'd cook dinner.  I was a little nervous but everything turned out great.  Hosting friends and family is something I really enjoy, especially when I get to decorate the table, plan the meal, and add little details like hand calligraphed menus and floral arrangements.  I didn't do all those things this time around, but I did manage to bake my own bread for the sandwiches I made! 

Caprese salad is one of my favorite things in the world, and I usually order the sandwich version when I have the chance.  It hardly needs a recipe but I thought it'd be fun to post it anyway.

Ingredients:
+ fresh mozzarella
+ fresh basil
+ cherry tomato medley
+ olive tapenade (purchased mine from trader joes)
+ fresh bread (I made the master recipe from Artisan Bread in 5)

Lightly toast bread.  Spread olive tapenade on one side of a slice of bread (or both if you really love olives!). Cut cherry tomatoes in half and place cut side down on top of tapenade.  Layer two slices of fresh mozzarella, followed by a layer of basil.  Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.  Top it off with the other slice of bread and you're done! Serve with tomato bisque and/or herb and baby green salad.