Tuesday, June 14, 2011

I am back in MN!
When I am not up north demolishing a cabin and trying to convince myself to hop in a kayak I am:

Working on the finishing touches on the headboard that I have reupholstered

Watering a few of these




Filling the pond up with water for the enjoyment of the frogs


And planting kisses on this handsome mug

Thursday, June 2, 2011

Caprese Sandwich

Sorry for the lack of new posts- All of my kitchen tools and pantry items are packed away and sitting in storage.  In three weeks I hope to start up again- since Al will be coming up to Minnesota for my birthday (and bringing all of my precious boxes with him).

I had my first caprese sandwich while Alex and I were trying to pass the time in Waterloo, IA this past winter by ordering a caprese salad and toast.  I was in heaven.

I revisited this sandwich as part of my effort to use up all of my perishable food, and I'm proud to say that my fridge is much barer than usual!  I still can't believe that I am moving on Monday!  Yikes!

This sandwich is simple to prepare and tastes great- and is a fabulous alternative to making pizza when you don't want to make any dough.  Rating 9/10


Ingredients (per sandwich)
2 slices of bread
1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1/4 tsp minced garlic
fresh mozzarella- enough thin slices to cover sandwich
fresh tomatoes- enough thin slices to cover sandwich
fresh basil leaves- enough to cover sandwich
balsamic vinegar- enough to drizzle on the sandwich filling

Heat a skillet over medium heat.
Coat the skillet with olive oil and garlic.
Place the bread on the skillet and toast only one side.
With the toasted-side of the sandwich facing the inside, arrange the remaining ingredients onto the sandwich.
Place the sandwich in the skillet and flip once the bottom is toasted.
Continue to toast the sandwich until the sandwich is toasted through and the cheese has started to melt.