Caprese Sandwich Creation

Tomatoes. That one word brings a little light to my heart. And my tummy. Growing up in my family, tomatoes were a constant on our table for every meal. I swear I think my dad could bite into one and eat it like an apple. We all have our preferences on what type we like and how to serve them best: Vine-ripened Roma tomatoes sliced with salt and pepper, Cherry tomatoes tossed in a salad with Ranch dressing, Beefsteak tomatoes on a cheeseburger, or my personal favorite and the best invention the Italians gave us (other than pizza, clearly): Caprese salad or Insalata Caprese, if you're fancy.

There are many variations on this dish, especially on whether or not it is an actual "salad." In fact, it is. The most important part, however, are the main ingredients: Plum tomatoes, Buffalo mozzarella and basil.* After that, it get's dicey. There are many ways to prepare this salad, but I prefer to add salt, pepper and a drizzle of both olive oil and balsamic vinegar. The differences in consistency and taste in the oil and vinegar give it a sweet and fruity taste.

I have made this salad countless times for a variety of reasons. But, last night I was really hungry. So I knew that I would need more. I remembered I had frozen some sub rolls about a month ago, so I pulled those out and baked them in the oven for about 10 minutes at 425 degrees. They came out perfectly crunchy on the outside and soft in the middle. So I sliced up the tomatoes, mozzarella and tore the basil leaves from the stem. Then I cut down the center of the roll and stuffed it with as many of each ingredient as I could. I drizzled olive oil and balsamic vinegar all over and then topped it with S&P.** It was SO GOOD. I told Adam about how yummy the sandwich was, and his reply, "where's the meat?" So, yes, this meal is vegetarian, but you could add all sorts of meats to this combination. My personal choice would be a thick cut salami or pepperoni. Keepin' it Italian, ya know?

Lovin' the fresh ingredients

In the end, I probably ate that sandwich in 2 minutes flat.  Tomatoes are in season, so go grab some and experiment with your Italian side. You could always go a little crazy and combine my two favorite inventions, pizza and Caprese. It'll be a masterpiece.

Y'all have a great day!

*Italians take great pride in this creation since the colors represent the Italian flag. :)

** Sometimes it's just easier than typing out "salt & pepper."