Thoroughly wash and pat tomatoes and fresh basil dry.

Slice tomatoes into evenly sized pieces, approximately ¼” thick, and set aside. Discard the bottom and top pieces.

Slice fresh mozzarella into ¼” thick pieces. 

On each plate, start with a tomato slice, followed by mozzarella and a large, fresh basil leaf.

Repeat this pattern until you’ve added 1 tomato and approximately 3 oz. of mozzarella to each plate, finishing each arrangement with a tomato slice.

Drizzle with high-quality extra virgin olive oil. 

Balsamic Glaze

Heat 1 cup of good balsamic vinegar over medium-high heat until it begins to boil.

Reduce heat and simmer until the liquid is reduced to about 1/3 of its original volume, stirring continually.

When the liquid becomes thick and syrupy, it is ready to use. 

Let glaze cool before drizzling over the fresh tomato, mozzarella and basil.

Season with salt and pepper to taste and garnish with additional sprigs of fresh basil, if desired.