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"That is NOT true", I would argue with her. "The summer's not even HALF over." It made me mad. I didn't like the thought of the free-as-a-bird days of summer being over. But you know what? .............. now that I've seen many summers come and go, I have to admit, she was right. It does seem like summer slips away on elusive wings once July is here. I still don't really like this truth, but I've grown to accept it and to savor every little bit of glorious summer. Especially in a culinary sense.
It's a short, sweet, wonderful season brimming with myriads of fabulous fruits and veggies, almost like a magnificent parade boasting one outrageously spectacular act after another until suddenly... it's done. Finished. Over. Everyday traffic is resumed and life returns to normal.
That's how summer produce is to me. I want to savor every delicious bit of it before it's suddenly done.
These Tomato, Avocado Fresh Mozzarella Tartines explode with summery flavor. Do try them before the warm days dissipate into Autumn. You truly won't be disappointed, and if you're like us, this may just become your favorite summer meal. It's okay though, they'll probably be the simplest meal you've made in a long time!
- 2 medium heirloom tomatoes or about 1 cup of cherry size (or a bit larger)*
- 1 small red onion thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil plus some for brushing bread with
- 2 tablespoons pesto
- 4-8 slices good quality artisan bread (use 8 if the loaf is smaller in size, each serving being two slices)
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella slice thin
- 1 large avocado cut into bite size slices
- sesame seeds for garnish
- fresh basil leaves thinly sliced if leaves are large for garnish
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Preheat oven to 375˚F.
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Thinly slice tomatoes (if using cherry or grape size tomatoes, just slice lengthwise into 3 small slices. Place tomatoes on several thicknesses of paper towels to drain excess liquid. Thinly slice onions and separate into rings. Reserve the large, outer rings for another use.
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Combine olive oil and pesto. Set aside.
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Place bread slices on a sheet pan. Brush each slice with about 1 teaspoon of olive oil. (If you're using the smaller slices of bread, divide one teaspoon between two slices.)
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Place pan with bread in oven for 10 minutes to crisp bread. Evenly divide cheese among bread slices. Drizzle half of the pesto oil over the cheese. Return pan to oven for 6-8 minutes or until cheese is melted.
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Cover most of cheese with tomatoes and avocados. Leave a few small open spaces for the cheese to ooze. Scatter onion rings atop tomato layer. Drizzle with a bit more pesto oil, to taste. Finish with a light sprinkle of sesame seeds and fresh basil leaves. Serve immediately.
* ~ I love to use mini heirloom tomatoes in several different hues for these tartines. They're available at many grocers, but more often, at farm stands and farmer's markets. Larger vine-ripened tomatoes will also work, just be sure to slice then nice and thin.
cquek says
another wonderful dish, beautifully photographed.
Beth says
Our school holidays are July and August, so July 4 always came near the beginning of our holidays. But I know what you mean - the end of summer always looms close, and a new school year ready to begin. I am already aware of the short time I have left to enjoy some of our produce, and I'm trying to make the most of it.
Shashi @ http://runninsrilankan.com says
Wow - beautiful pictures! Love this combination!
Kitchen Riffs says
When I was a kid, the summer was still just getting going on July 4th. But back then school didn't let out until the second or sometimes third week of June, and we went back after Labor Day. Now that so many kids are back in school in August, July 4th really does mark the beginning of end of summer. Lucky, though, that we still have plenty of summer foods yet to come. We've only begun to get tomatoes from our backyard plants, for example. And they'd be mighty tasty is this great tartine! I really like this idea - such good stuff. Thanks.
Pamela @ Brooklyn Farm Girl says
I am totally using up some of my garden tomatoes for this. YUM!
Debra Eliotseats says
I don't want to hear that summer is half over but I am denying the obvious and school starts in three weeks. I cannot get enough of summer tomatoes.
raynatakesthecake says
This is so pretty! Thanks for sharing.
raynatakesthecake says
This is so pretty! Thanks for sharing.
Mr. & Mrs. P says
Fresh mozzarella is one of our favorite ingredients!! These tartines are just so colorful and mouth watering!!
Gloria Baker says
I love this Chris, look perfect!
xo
Vicki Bensinger says
Mmm the combination of flavors sounds perfect for a summertime meal. It looks just like a garden on a plate.
GLENDA CHILDERS says
ps. I mentioned you in my post today. 🙂
Sophia Del Gigante says
Absolutely stunning and so delish! Would make an excellent appetizer to serve to guests.