Caprese Flatbread

With the weather cooling down and the leaves beginning to fall, we're all clinging to the last days of summer. Though I love autumn, I will be sad to see some of the summer foods go. Most of all tomatoes, which I love every which way and can't get enough of.

Anyone who knows me well will be able to tell you my favorite tomato dish: caprese. Who can beat the simple deliciousness of tomatoes, fresh mozzarella and basil? This classic has always had a place in my heart, and if I don't have the time or energy to whip up something more complicated, this is the go-to. A caprese salad probably takes less than 5 minutes to make, and it's always so good!

This recipe is only marginally less quick and easy than a caprese salad. With a few more ingredients to really make it a meal, this caprese flatbread is great for lunch or an appetizer.


Caprese Flatbread
Serves one for lunch or a couple for apps
Calories: 365

Ingredients:
1 Flat-Out (Multigrain with Flax is only 100 calories!)
1 tomato (I used a combination of red and yellow for the color)
3 ounces fresh mozzerella, cubed
A handful of basil leaves
A few dashes pizza seasoning of your choice (a garlic and herb one would work)
3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

Directions:
1. Heat a grill pan on high heat for several minutes.
2. Add the balsamic vinegar to a small saucepan and simmer on low heat until reduced by half; it will become thicker, sweeter and more syrupy.
3. While the pan is heating and the vinegar is simmering, chop your tomatoes, mozzarella and basil. For presentation, I cut my tomatoes into triangles and my basil into thin strips (a.k.a. chiffonade).
4. Throw the Flat-Out onto the grill pan for a few minutes on each side, or until it is crispy and has grill marks.

5. Add the cheese and pizza seasoning to the flatbread and allow it to melt for a minute.

6. Top with the tomatoes and basil and drizzle the balsamic syrup over the whole thing.

7. Using a tongs or spatula, gently transfer the flatbread from the grill pan onto a clean board. I was not so gentle and ended up with balsamic all over my tank top (thank heaven for OxyClean).

8. Use a pizza cutter to slice it up any way you want!

Finito! Molto bene.

See? That was about as easy as it gets. With a little bit of fancy presentation and a few simple techniques you turn the most basic salad possible into a beautiful, yummy meal. This is one I'll be making until the tomatoes are all gone!