With getting ready for my dissertation defense it's been a busy past few weeks! The defense is now over (I passed :) so I will try to get back to posting regularly again.
Nothing original about this recipe as this sandwich is a classic. Super simple and great to make when tomatoes are in season.
Ingredients
-1 large tomato or two plum tomatoes, thinly sliced
-1 large handful of basil
-several slices fresh mozarella
-1 loaf of ciabatta bread
-1/2 C balsamic vinegar
-1 T extra-virgin olive oil
-salt & pepper, to taste
(makes 2 sandwiches)
Steps
1. Layer cheese, tomatoes (topped with salt and pepper), and basil between two pieces of bread.
2. Bring balsamic vinegar to a boil in a small saucepan over medium-high heat. Cook until reduced to 3 tablespoons (about 8 minutes). Be careful, your balsamic reduction can go from reduced the right amount to tar in just a few moments.
3. Brush one of the insides of bread with reduced vinegar. Brush the outsides of the bread lightly with olive oil.
4. If you have a George Foreman grill, stick the sandwich in the grill for about 7 minutes or until cheese is melted and bread is toasted. If you don't have a Foreman you can use a grill pan or regular pan heated over medium-high heat. Add sandwich to pan. Place a heavy skillet on top of sandwich, and gently press to flatten. Leave skillet on; cook 3 minutes on each side or until cheese melts and bread is toasted.
