I made a salad the other night

one of my favourites too. I'm sure there's an official name for it but I'm not aware of it or can't think of it in my first thing in the morning haven't quite gotten through my first and only cup of coffee fog.

I first had it at one of my good friend's home when we visited for dinner one night. It's so simple and fresh, all you need are tomatoes, basil, fresh garlic, bocconcini cheese, olive oil and balsamic vinegar.

I fell in love with the texture and tastes and started making it for myself on a weekly basis the summer before I got pregnant with the Peanut. With one thing and another there's been little time to make it that often over the last three years (who knew that taking care of an infant/baby/toddler/preschooler would be so time consuming?) so now it's a special treat.





I've added my own twist to it over time sliced fresh strawberries; I have a secret love affair with adding dried and fresh fruit to my veg salads. This time around I also used something that I'm sure is well known in culinary circles but was new and exciting for me: White Balsamic. I found it to have a mellower bouquet (look at me getting all connoisseury up in here) than the caramelized darker version but still with the same distinct flavour.



Aren't you going to tell us how to make the salad? you ask. Sure! I say. As I said it's simple to make:
wash and slice tomatoes (I used cherry tomatoes cutting them into quarters, strawberry and grape tomatoes are also excellent here for full tomatoes I like to use Roma) and strawberries.

Drain the bocconcini and slice as well



Layer tomatoes the fruit and basil leaves with the cheese.


For the dressing mix olive oil, balsamic and diced garlic clove together until they are emulsified (that's fancy cooking talk for mixed up really good) and pour on top of the salad.

Let it sit for an hour or so, allowing all the flavours to co mingle and absorb. season with sea salt and fresh ground pepper and enjoy.


In other news Confessions of a Pagan Soccer Mom had another awesome giveaway on her blog. I mentioned a few weeks ago that I've been following her and I am so glad that I did. Go now and see what's she's giving away now!