Sylvia's Scenario

I've been eating this salad a lot the past week.  It's so quick and easy to throw together and gives you an instant fix for caprese.  Lauren was thrilled when she came home and found a big bowl of caprese salad sitting on the counter.  "You know, this is my favorite food!"  I do remember we ate a lot of caprese when Lauren came home from Italy after the summer of 2010 and I've put a lot of different versions on my blog since then.  These little  Cherub  tomatoes were on sale at Metropolitan Market this week and I've bought 3 of them so far. I just can't stop eating them.  I rarely buy tomatoes this time of year but these little things are so sweet, it's amazing. Turn them into a caprese salad and gone .  It's so easy to throw this salad together to get your caprese fix.  Not to mention, this salad is the perfect holiday colors. 10.5 oz. container of Cherubs  fresh ciliegine (mozzarella balls) several leaves ...

We had a 5-star dinner on the beach. White table clothes imported wine first class service and a killer view. We've had exquisite Mexican food here in Cabo  at the Baja Cantina restaurant which is located right in front of where we are staying on Medano Beach and even though this is a quality place, it is very relaxed and laid back…we're in Mexico after all. We just completed our first two days in Cabo San Lucas and we're starting to feel relaxed now. We've had our dinner on the beach now for the past two nights because we just love it so much. It's a great place to watch the sunset and watch all the boat activity. Tonight we just went back again for their tortilla soup which is the best we've ever tasted.  First they give you the ingredients and then they pour the soup base over the ingredients. It is just so tasty!  I could eat it every night!  Maybe I wi...

Here is another caprese recipe, this time - sandwiches. This recipe was in the August issue of Cooking Light. We have been enjoying zucchini from the garden now but are still eagerly waiting for our tomatoes to ripen since I can't bring myself to buy the tasteless tomatoes from the grocery store. (There's a reason why its so hard for people to eat the recommended amount of fruits and vegetables - because they are tasteless in the grocery store and its not just tomatoes) You will find tomatoes and zucchini at your local farmers market if you aren't growing your own - the second best way to obtain these two delicious pieces of produce. Makes 4 sandwiches 1 medium zucchini, trimmed and cut lengthwise into 6 slices 4 tsp. olive oil, divided 1 clove garlic, minced 1-1/2 tsp balsamic vinegar 1/8 tsp. kosher salt 1/8 tsp. black pepper 4 (2 ounce) ciabatta rolls, split and toasted 8 large fresh basil leaves 1 medium tomato, thinly sliced 6 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, th...

This version of caprese is more like eating a slice of pizza for a more substantial appetizer.  It can also be a quick, healthy meal. Serves 4 1 clove garlic, finely chopped 1/2 cup olive oil 1 loaf ciabatta bread, split 1/2 tsp dried oregano Two 6- to 8-ounce fresh mozzarella cheese, mashed 2 pints multicolor cherry tomatoes, halved or quartered 1 cup basil leaves, shredded salt and pepper a few pinches crushed red pepper 1. Heat a grill or heat pan to medium-high. 2. In a small bowl, mix the garlic with the olive oil. 3. Grill the bread until grill marks appear. Brush with the garlic oil, top with the oregano and spread with the cheese. 4. Top with the tomatoes, basil and more oil; season with salt, black pepper and the red pepper. Optional:  Drizzle with a little balsamic vinegar. The simple way to make caprese is just with mozzarella cheese, a slice a tomato, basil, drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. We eat these a lot...

Are you going to a 4th of July party this weekend? Or maybe hosting one? Here is a perfect, colorful appetizer for the festivities. Only a few ingredients and no mess, they are the perfect finger-food. 16 oz. grape or cherry tomatoes, rinsed and dried 1 bunch fresh basil, rinsed and dried 8 oz. tub of small mozzarella balls packed in water 1 T. olive oil Salt & Pepper Skewer one basil leaf, one mozzarella ball and one tomato onto each toothpick. Arrange onto a plate then drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.