Required for a fresh summer taste treat!
1-2 fresh, vine ripened tomatoes - cubed
8 ounce ball of fresh mozzarella cheese - cubed
2-4 Tblsp. extra-virgin olive oil
1-2 Tblsp. balsamic vinegar
salt
black pepper
1 clove of crushed garlic, optional
- - You can stop here and enjoy a yummy treat . . . or keep adding!

Add any of these to kick it up or make into a salad:
8 ounces rotini (corkscrew) pasta, cooked and cooled
10 to 12 medium basil leaves, torn into pieces
cucumber, chopped

* NOTE:

• Instead of the oil, vinegar and seasonings, I use Newman’s Own lite Balsamic Vinaigrette. It’s wonderful!
• In a pretty bowl, mix mozzarella, tomatoes, basil, olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Add salt, pepper and garlic to taste, adding more vinegar if desired. Serve immediately, or cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
• Tastes even better the next day!
• To make it a nice salad or an entire meal, add the pasta!

September 3, 2008