Ah caprese salad, a mediterranean gift of a food. Plump, ripe tomatoes; fresh, aromatic basil; and thick slabs of mozzarella sprinkled with a sweet balsamic reduction are perfect in their simplicity. However, like anyone who loves cooking, I like to mix things up in the kitchen. In this recipe the classic caprese salad is placed between two halves of bread, and mozzarella is melted in a grilled cheese style. I used onion buns for this recipe, as the balsamic reduction works well with the small pieces of onion in the buns, bringing out their sweetness.

This recipe is a perfect summer evening easy dinner, or make it ahead and take it on a picnic lunch. Fresh basil is key; for this dish I took advantage of the basil growing in our garden, but I have seen fresh basil clippings available year round in the grocery store. You also have the option of preparing your own balsamic reduction, or purchasing a pre-made glaze. However you procure your ingredients, I hope you enjoy this sandwich!

Ingredients:

• 2 tomatoes
• ¼ cup fresh basil leaves
• 2 tablespoons balsamic reduction (if you are making your own, you will need 2 cups balsamic vinegar,½ cup brown sugar)
• 5 ounces mozzarella cheese
• 4 sandwich buns
• 1 tablespoon of butter

1. If you have already made balsamic reduction glaze, skip to the next step. If not, combine brown sugar and balsamic vinegar in a medium saucepan. Heat over medium heat, stir constantly until sugar has dissolved. Once the mixture begins boiling, reduce heat to low and simmer for about 20 minutes. The glaze should be reduced to about half of its original volume. Remove from heat and set aside.
2. Thinly slice tomatoes and mozzarella cheese.
3. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Meanwhile, butter the outside halves of the buns. Place the remaining butter in the pan and distribute evenly. Place the sandwich buns inside half facing down and cook for about three minutes. Flip the buns and place mozzarella on top of one half of each bun pair. Continue cooking in the skillet for an additional three minutes.
4. Remove the sandwiches from the skillet, distribute tomato and basil evenly on top of the mozzarella. Drizzle with balsamic reduction glaze and combine bun pairs to complete the sandwiches.