Valentine Heart Caprese (Printable View)
Tomato and mozzarella hearts with basil and balsamic glaze for a fresh, elegant dish.
# What You’ll Need:
→ Main Components
01 - 2 medium ripe tomatoes
02 - 5 oz fresh mozzarella cheese
03 - 10 fresh basil leaves
→ Dressing
04 - 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
05 - 1 tbsp balsamic glaze
06 - Sea salt, to taste
07 - Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
# Cooking Steps:
01 - Slice tomatoes and mozzarella into ½-inch thick rounds using a sharp knife. Work carefully to maintain even thickness for consistent heart shapes.
02 - Press a small heart-shaped cookie cutter firmly through each tomato and mozzarella slice. Gently push to release hearts from the cutter, reserving scraps for another use.
03 - Create alternating rows of tomato and mozzarella hearts on a serving platter. Space them evenly to allow room for basil garnish between each pair.
04 - Tuck whole fresh basil leaves between the heart-shaped pieces, allowing the green leaves to contrast beautifully with red and white components.
05 - Drizzle extra virgin olive oil and balsamic glaze in an even pattern over the entire arrangement. Season generously with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. Serve immediately to maintain optimal texture and flavor.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- It transforms a simple classic into something that feels like a genuine gesture
- The heart shapes somehow make everything taste more special, I can't explain it but it works
02 -
- Work quickly once you've cut the hearts so the tomatoes don't weep onto your serving plate
- Room temperature ingredients make a huge difference in flavor, so take everything out about 30 minutes before starting
03 -
- Pat your tomato slices dry with paper towels before cutting—the hearts hold their shape much better
- A serrated knife gives you cleaner cuts through the tomatoes without crushing them