Crispy Mozzarella & Summer Tomato Salad

By: Rhys H. Lewis

Crave Brothers Farmstead Crispy Mozzarella & Summer Tomato Salad

Basil Pesto, Herb Crave Brothers Farmstead Mascarpone,

Cider Balsamic Reduction

Fresh Mozzarella Cheese, Garden Tomatoes, and Basil have shared the culinary stage sense the beginning of time.

In this dish the crispy Crave Brothers Farmstead Fresh Mozzarella provide a contrast of temperature and texture,

highlighted by the velvetiness of the Crave Brothers Farmstead Mascarpone and the bright acid of the tomatoes.

Ingredients- For the Mozzarella

16 ounces Crave Brothers Farmstead Fresh Mozzarella-Ciliegine

1 egg beaten

½ cup flour

1 cup bread crumbs

Kosher salt and pepper to taste

oil for Frying

Method- For the Mozzarella

Season the flour with salt & pepper and toss the fresh mozzarella in it,

coating all sides. Toss  in beaten egg, then

bread crumbs, chill until needed.

Ingredients-For the Mascarpone

6 ounces Crave Brothers Farmstead Mascarpone Cheese

1 Sprig fresh rosemary, stemmed and chopped

4 Sprigs fresh thyme, stemmed and chopped

Kosher Salt and Pepper to taste

Method- For the Mascarpone

Combine the mascarpone in a small mixing bowl, fold in the chopped rosemary and thyme, season with Kosher

salt and pepper, reserve chilled.  This step may be completed in advance. 

Ingredients-For the Pesto

4 Springs fresh basil, stemmed

4 Springs fresh parsley, stemmed

2 cloves garlic, peeled, chopped fine

½ cup extra-virgin olive oil

Kosher salt and pepper to taste

Method- For the Pesto

Combine the basil, parsley, garlic and the olive oil in a small food processor and puree for 30 seconds or until

smooth. Season with Kosher salt and pepper to taste, and reserve chilled. This step may be completed in advance. 

 Ingredients-For the Cider Balsamic Reduction

½ Cup fresh apple cider

½ Cup balsamic vinegar

1 tablespoon brown sugar

Method- For the Cider Balsamic Reduction

Combine in a small heavy bottom stainless steel sauce pot the cider and the balsamic vinegar, and reduce it

of medium heat until reduced by half.

Add the brown sugar, allow to dissolve.

Taste the reduction with caution, because it will be very hot,adjust with sugar and or vinegar as needed. 

Reserve chilled. This step may be completed in advance. 

Ingredients -For the Salad 

1-pint heirloom cherry tomatoes, cut in half

4 springs Mache lettuce or other garden fresh lettuces

Final Presentation

Using a small pallet knife spread the mascarpone in the center of the desired serving plates.

Quickly fry the Carve Brothers Mozzarella for 30 seconds, at 350 F ˚degrees and arrange them on the mascarpone

spread. Arrange the tomatoes on the mascarpone, also arrange the Mache or baby greens.

Dot the plate with the basil pesto and the cider balsamic reduction, season with Kosher salt and pepper, serve.

Yield: 4 servings

A short cut note- prepared bottled pesto and balsamic glaze works beautifully.