Valentine Heart Caprese (Print Version)

Heart-shaped tomato and mozzarella with basil and balsamic glaze for a fresh, elegant dish.

# What You Need:

→ Main Components

01 - 2 medium ripe tomatoes
02 - 5 oz fresh mozzarella cheese
03 - 10 fresh basil leaves

→ Dressing

04 - 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
05 - 1 tbsp balsamic glaze
06 - Sea salt, to taste
07 - Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

# How to Prepare:

01 - Slice tomatoes and mozzarella into ½-inch thick rounds using a sharp knife for clean edges.
02 - Press heart-shaped cookie cutter firmly through tomato and mozzarella slices to create uniform hearts.
03 - Place tomato and mozzarella hearts alternately on serving platter, creating an overlapping pattern.
04 - Tuck fresh basil leaves between the layered hearts for aromatic freshness.
05 - Drizzle olive oil and balsamic glaze evenly over arrangement, then season with sea salt and black pepper.
06 - Present immediately while ingredients are at peak freshness and temperature.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It transforms the simplest ingredients into something that feels like an occasion without any actual cooking
  • The heart shapes make everyone smile even people who claim they do not care about presentation
02 -
  • Room temperature ingredients taste better so take everything out of the fridge at least 30 minutes before starting
  • The tomato scraps left over from cutting hearts are perfect for snacking while you work
03 -
  • Pat your tomato slices dry with paper towels before cutting if they are too juicy, this keeps the hearts from falling apart
  • Let the assembled salad sit for about 5 minutes after dressing to let flavors meld together

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