Tomato-Mozzarella Fans

Serves 4.

Ingredients:

4 vine-ripe tomatoes, washed and dried

8 oz. fresh mozzarella (purchased in round ball)

4 whole fresh basil leaves

8 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil

Kosher salt

Freshly ground black pepper

Instructions:

Place a tomato upside down on a cutting board. Make four slits in the tomato, being carefull not to cut all the way through. Repeat with each tomato.

Using a sharp knife, slice mozzarella into thin round slices. Then cut each round in half. Insert one half-circle of cheese into the slits in the tomatoes.

Spoon 2 teaspoons of olive oil across each tomato. Sprinkle with kosher salt and black pepper. Top with basil leaf.

Serve immediately. Tomatoes have the best flavor if served (and stored) at room temperature.