Valentine Heart Caprese (Print Version)
A delightful Caprese creation featuring heart-shaped mozzarella and tomatoes, ideal for romantic occasions or elegant starters.
# What You Need:
→ Vegetables
01 - 2 large ripe tomatoes, sliced 1/4-inch thick
02 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
→ Dairy
03 - 7 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced 1/4-inch thick
→ Herbs
04 - 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
→ Dressing
05 - 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
06 - 1 tablespoon balsamic glaze
07 - Salt, to taste
08 - Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
# How to Prepare:
01 - Using a small heart-shaped cookie cutter, carefully cut heart shapes from both the mozzarella slices and the large tomato slices.
02 - Artfully arrange the heart-shaped tomato and mozzarella pieces alternately on a serving plate. Distribute the halved cherry tomatoes and fresh basil leaves around the heart shapes.
03 - Evenly drizzle the extra virgin olive oil and balsamic glaze over the assembled salad.
04 - Season the salad with salt and freshly ground black pepper according to your preference. Serve immediately to enjoy this romantic appetizer.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- It looks incredibly impressive with minimal effort, making you feel like a culinary genius without breaking a sweat.
- The fresh, bright flavors of basil, tomato, and mozzarella are a timeless combination that always brings a smile, especially when shaped with love.
02 -
- Using a slightly damp cookie cutter for the mozzarella prevents sticking and gives cleaner edges, a trick I learned after many squishy, misshapen attempts.
- Chilling the mozzarella for about 15 minutes before slicing makes it much firmer and easier to get those crisp heart shapes without tearing.
03 -
- If you don't have a heart-shaped cutter, don't fret! You can still arrange the round slices in an overlapping pattern and call it an "Ode to Love" Caprese – the sentiment is what truly counts.
- For an extra vibrant color and flavor boost, allow the large tomato hearts to sit on a paper towel for 5-10 minutes after slicing to absorb any excess moisture before arranging them.