mama eats (# 2): caprese grilled cheese with balsamic dipping sauce

Mamas, you have no excuses now but to enjoy freshly prepared meal for yourself. I know how it is. Getting 5-10 minutes to yourself to eat with toddlers on your heels is hard. But do it. And this recipe will help you do that quickly. No excuses! If I can do it, you can too.

YOU NEED:
7 minutes
skillet
two pieces of sliced sourdough bread (or whatever you have on hand - not too thick tho)
fresh mozzarella (see below for variations)
fresh basil
fresh tomato
salt, pepper
balsamic vinegar
olive oil
rosemary

HOW:

1. heat skillet on medium high with a good bit of olive oil in it (do not go above medium high because it will smoke! olive oil has a low smoke point)
2. get your bread ready - you can even put it in the pan if you prep quickly
3. slice fresh mozzarella enough for one layer on the first slice of bread, about 1/4 inch thick 
4. pull off basil leaves and put on top of mozzarella
5. slice tomatoes and place on top of basil leaves - salt and pepper generously
6. add second slice of bread
7. put in the pan and turn frequently. bread will crisp and brown in the oil - YUM - press down with spatula 
8. when you think the sandwich is almost done, grab a little dish and pour a little balsamic vinegar and a little olive oil (about half and half - just eyeball it), some salt and cracked pepper and rosemary and whisk to make a simple balsamic vinaigrette!
9. pull the sandwich out of the pan, slice and dip in the balsamic vinaigrette 
10. ENJOY!

Nutrition curious? (info obtained from caloriecount.about.com in the recipe analyzer based on the following: 2 slices sourdough bread, 1/2 roma tomato, 2 ounces fresh mozzarella, 1/4 cup basil leaves (which may be a little high), 1/8 cup balsamic vinegar, 1/8 cup olive oil, pinch salt)

• This recipe contains 28.6 grams of mono and polyunsaturated fats - good for the heart and so many other body parts!
• With almost 24 grams of protein, 46% of your RDA of calcium, 18% of iron, 32% of Vitamin C, and 25% of your Vitamin A, you can't go wrong.

Modifications: 

• use any other white cheese in place of mozzarella
• use dried basil instead of fresh
• use sundried tomatoes instead of fresh
• use gluten free bread in place of regular for a gluten free recipe