Italian Grilled Cheese & M,T,toB Salad

GRILLED CHEESE SANDWICHES

3 tbs olive oil

4-5 canned plum tomatoes, finely chopped

a few fresh basil leaves, torn into pieces

salt & freshly ground pepper

4-6 medium slices of Italian or crusty bread

1 clove garlic, peeled & cut in half

1/2 c scamorza, mozzarella or cheddar cheese

Heat the oil in a small frying pan. Add tomatoes and basil, and season with salt and pepper. Cook over low to moderate heat for about 8-10 minutes, or until tomatoes start to dry out. Preheat the broiler. Lightly toast the bread. When it has cooled slightly rub it on one side with garlic. Spread some of the tomatoes on each piece of bread, and top with the sliced cheese. Place under the hot broiler until the cheese melts and begins to bubble, 5-8 minutes. Serve hot. 

MOZZARELLA, TOMATO AND BASIL SALAD

(This is a very popular, & patriotic recipe in Italy, as its three ingredients are the colors of the national flag).

4 large tomatoes

2 cups mozzarella cheese

8-10 leaves fresh basil

4 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

salt & freshly ground pepper

Slice the tomatoes and mozzarella into thick rounds. Arrange the tomatoes and cheese in overlapping slices on a serving dish. Decorate with basil. Sprinkle with olive oil and a little salt. Serve with the black pepper passed separately.