Recipe: Tomato and Mozzarella Fans

TOMATO AND MOZZARELLA FANS

4 large ripe tomatoes (6 to 7 oz. EACH)
1 (3/4 pound) piece fresh mozzarella cheese (about)
2/3 cup diced red onion (1/4-inch dice)
12 fresh basil leaves (about)
FOR THE DRESSING:
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 core from each tomato. Place tomatoes stem sides down on a cutting board and cut them vertically into 1/4-inch-thick slices (6 to 8 slices per tomato), stopping about 1/2 inch from base of each tomato, so that slices are still attached at stem end.

Cut mozzarella in half lengthwise, then into 1/4-inch-thick slices and insert a slice of mozzarella between slices of tomato, creating a fan effect. Arrange tomatoes on a serving plate. Sprinkle with diced onion.

In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, vinegar, salt and pepper. Spoon some dressing on top so that it runs between slices of tomato and mozzarella.

Tear basil leaves into pieces and scatter them around and on top of tomatoes. Serve at room temperature.

Makes 4 servings
Source: Fast Food My Way by Jacques Pepin