Tomato and Mozzarella Fans

Adapted from Fast Food My Way by Jacques Pépin (Houghton Mifflin Company, 2004)

(Serves 4)

• 4 large, ripe tomatoes
• 3/4 pound mozzarella cheese
• 2/3 cup diced red onion
• 12 fresh basil leaves

• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 1/2 tablespoons sherry vinegar or red wine vinegar
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

• Remove the core from each tomato. Place the tomatoes stem side down on a cutting board, and cut them vertically into 1/4-inch slices, stopping about a 1/2 inch from the base. Cut the mozzarella in half lengthwise, then into 1/4-inch slices, and insert a slice of mozzarella between the slices of tomato, creating a fan effect.
• For the dressing: mix all the ingredients together in a small bowl.
• Arrange the tomatoes on a serving platter. Sprinkle with the diced onion, and spoon some dressing on top so that it runs between the slices of tomato and mozzarella. Tear the basil leaves into pieces and scatter them around and on top of the tomatoes.
• These are best served at room temperature.

Nutrients per serving:
Calories: 347
Fat: 26g
Cholesterol: 31mg
Carbohydrate: 13g
Sodium: 759mg
Protein: 17g
Total dietary fiber: 2g

January & February 2005

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