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 Posted By: jglass 
Feb 28  # 1 of 10
Roasted Tomato Caprese Salad
2008 Barefoot Contessa Back to Basics

Ingredients
12 plum tomatoes, halved lengthwise, seeds (not cores) removed
1/4 cup good olive oil, plus more for drizzling
1 1/2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
2 large garlic cloves, minced
2 teaspoons sugar
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
16 ounces fresh salted mozzarella
12 fresh basil leaves, julienned

Directions
Preheat the oven to 275 degrees F.
Arrange the tomatoes on a sheet pan, cut sides up, in a single layer.
Drizzle with 1/4 cup of olive oil and the balsamic vinegar.
Sprinkle with the garlic, sugar, 1 1/2 teaspoons salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper.
Roast for 2 hours until the tomatoes are concentrated and begin to caramelize.
Allow the tomatoes to cool to room temperature.
Cut the mozzarella into slices slightly less than 1/2-inch thick.
If the slices of mozzarella are larger than the tomatoes, cut the mozzarella slices in half.
Layer the tomatoes alternately with the mozzarella on a platter and scatter the basil on top.
Sprinkle lightly with salt and pepper and drizzle lightly with olive oil. Serve at room temperature.
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 Posted By: chubbyalaskagriz 
Feb 28  # 2 of 10
Thanks, janie. I just love a beautiful Caprese! Nothing tastes quite as much like "summer" as this does!
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 Posted By: Mama Mangia 
Feb 28  # 3 of 10
sounds like what I had for dinner!

also - stuff it in a piece of French bread - hoagie style - and make a panini out of it

just perfect for lunch and a nice way to use up leftovers
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 Posted By: cookie 
Feb 28  # 4 of 10
:) mm, sounds Very Delicious ! Cookie :)
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 Posted By: chubbyalaskagriz 
Feb 28  # 5 of 10
mama- the caprese panini sounds INCREDIBLE!

Speaking of paninis... I saw Giada on several talk shows at holiday time and she was pushing a panini of chocolate chips, brie and basil leaves- of all things! She swore it was delish- and Oprah. Ellen, Bonnie Hunt, and all the others on various shows who tasted it couldn't believe just how strangely yummy it was! Have any of you ever tried this intriguing taste idea?