Background: I’ve always been a fan of the “Caprese” or “Capri” salad, that has been made and eaten for ages, primarily because we love tomatoes. After I started making my own it seemed like there was room for some heat, so I added jalapenos, white balsamic and always add stick pepperoni and grilled homemade sourdough bread, so it’s a full meal. 

Ingredients: 2-3 Roma tomatoes sliced cored and cut in half; 5 oz sliced mozzarella cheese; 1 medium jalapeno cut in half, sliced, and cored; 2 tbsp olive oil; 2 tbsp white balsamic vinegar; 2 slices sourdough or Italian bread; 2 inches stick pepperoni; 1 tbsp butter, salt, and pepper; 1 handful fresh basil. Makes 2 servings.

Steps:

  1. Cut the mozzarella slices pieces in half, then arrange the cheese, and tomatoes alternately on each plate. Next lay jalapeno slices over the tomatoes. Drizzle the olive oil over the tomato/cheese and then the vinegar. Sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste, then drop on the basil (whole or torn).
  2. Drop the tablespoon of butter on a griddle or large pan, allow to heat for a minute, then lay on the sourdough or Italian bread slices. Leave for about three minutes and turn heat for another three minutes (or until it starts to brown). Remove from the pan and place on the plate.
  3. Slice the pepperoni into 1/8th inch pieces and layer on the opposite side of the plate from the bread.