Bite with Belkys: A Tomato and Cheese Appetizer from Mark's Las Olas

Ingredients:

• Fresh Mozzarella Cheese
• Puff Pastry
• Cherry Tomatoes
• Olive Oil
• Salt
• Pepper

Method of Preparation:

-Start by placing plastic wrap in a container. Then, cut the mozzarella in half and put it inside the container. Press down on the cheese so it begins to shape. Cover it with more plastic wrap, and let it firm up in the refrigerator for two to three hours.

-Next, cut a piece of puff pastry. Make sure it matches the shape of the container the cheese is in.

-Put the pastry on a baking sheet. With a knife, poke a few holes in it. Lastly, cover it with another baking sheet and put it in a 350 degree oven for about 30 minutes.

-Now move on to the tomatoes. Begin by blanching them in boiling water for 30 seconds. Then dip the tomatoes in ice water and peel off the bottom half.

To Plate the Dish:

Place the cheese on a plate. Add some olive oil and pinch of salt and pepper. Next, add your puff pastry. Top it off with the tomatoes. Chef Mark likes to garnish the plate with oven-dried yellow tomatoes, olive oil, balsamic vinegar and a scoop of olive sorbet.

Serving Suggestion: Pinot Grigio

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Mark's Las Olas
1032 E. Las Olas Blvd.
Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33301
945-463-1000
www.chefmark.com/markslasolas.htm