MANGIA MEDITERRANEAN

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This salad is best when the tomatoes are fresh from the garden but I make it occasionally during the winter using fresh Italian plum tomatoes which are usually available all year round.

4 fresh or smoked mozzarella balls, 1 to 2 inches in diameter
4 to 5 ripe plum tomatoes about 16 large, fresh basil leaves
1 head Boston leaf lettuce or greens of your choice

Dressing:

1/4 cup good quality extra-virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons Balsamic vinegar
1 large clove garlic, minced
pinch sugar
salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste

Slice the cheese and tomatoes into quarter-inch slices. Wash and dry the whole lettuce leaves. Whisk together the dressing in a glass measuring cup. Arrange the lettuce leaves in a single layer on a platter or individual plates. Alternate the cheese, tomato, and basil slices on the platter. Drizzle the dressing over the top just before serving. The salad can be covered with plastic wrap and refrigerated for an hour or so without the dressing.

Eggplant Sandwiches

1 medium eggplant
extra-virgin olive oil
optional: 2 large cloves garlic, minced
1 whole-grain baguette or a hard-crusted Italian bread, cut into thick slices
1 medium tomato, sliced
fresh lettuce, spinach, or arugula leaves Other ideas: pesto sauce, roasted red pepper provolone, mozzarella, or goat cheese

Slice the eggplant into half-inch circles and place in a colander. Generously salt the slices and place the colander in the sink for thirty minutes. Turn on the oven broiler and line a cookie sheet with toil. Rinse the slices in cold water and pat dry with paper towels. Place the slices on the cookie sheet and brush with olive oil and garlic. Broil for about 3 to 4 minutes per side about six inches from the flame until they're lightly browned. The slices will continue to soften as they cool. Pile the eggplant into a plastic container or wrap in foil until needed. I like to make the sandwiches while the eggplant is still warm. Keep in the refrigerator for up to a week. Lightly toast or warm the bread and assemble the sandwiches.

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