CAPRESE CANDY CANE WITH BALSAMIC SYRUP & BASIL OIL |
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4 TOMATOES, thinly sliced with a serrated knife
1# FRESH MOZZARELLA CHEESE, sliced
MALDON SEA SALT, garnish
1/3 C BALSAMIC VINEGAR
1/3 C SUGAR
1 ½ C FRESH BASIL LEAVES, loosely packed
½ C + 2 T EXTRA VIRGIN OLIVE OIL
2 ½ T FRESH LEMON JUICE
KOSHER SALT AND FRESH GROUND BLACK PEPPER, to taste
After slicing the tomatoes and mozzarella cheese, lay them on a sheet of paper towel to absorb some of the liquid. Arrange the sliced tomato and mozzarella cheese on a white platter in the shape of a candy cane. Garnish generously with Maldon sea salt.
In a small sauce pan, set over high heat, add the balsamic vinegar and sugar, whisking until the sugar dissolves and the mixture comes to a boil. Let boil for 1-2 minutes. Remove from heat and let come to room temperature. The mixture will thicken slightly when cooled. (For a quick shortcut, you can also purchase Balsamic Syrup at your local grocery store!)
Add the basil leaves, olive oil and lemon juice to a blender. Puree until smooth. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Place the balsamic syrup and basil oil in two small pitchers. Place them next to the caprese candy cane and allow guests to drizzle over their serving of caprese salad.
1# FRESH MOZZARELLA CHEESE, sliced
MALDON SEA SALT, garnish
1/3 C BALSAMIC VINEGAR
1/3 C SUGAR
1 ½ C FRESH BASIL LEAVES, loosely packed
½ C + 2 T EXTRA VIRGIN OLIVE OIL
2 ½ T FRESH LEMON JUICE
KOSHER SALT AND FRESH GROUND BLACK PEPPER, to taste
After slicing the tomatoes and mozzarella cheese, lay them on a sheet of paper towel to absorb some of the liquid. Arrange the sliced tomato and mozzarella cheese on a white platter in the shape of a candy cane. Garnish generously with Maldon sea salt.
In a small sauce pan, set over high heat, add the balsamic vinegar and sugar, whisking until the sugar dissolves and the mixture comes to a boil. Let boil for 1-2 minutes. Remove from heat and let come to room temperature. The mixture will thicken slightly when cooled. (For a quick shortcut, you can also purchase Balsamic Syrup at your local grocery store!)
Add the basil leaves, olive oil and lemon juice to a blender. Puree until smooth. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Place the balsamic syrup and basil oil in two small pitchers. Place them next to the caprese candy cane and allow guests to drizzle over their serving of caprese salad.
