This was one of my father's favorites. It was usually on the menu on Friday nights during Lent. I was young when I started cooking dinner for my family. Not because I had to, just because my mom worked full time and I loved to cook, so I did. My father and I cooked a lot together on Friday nights. We would get a platter and make big salads, cut up lots of vegetables, usually with a tuna salad or egg salad in the middle. Of course, there was usually a fritatta involved, too. I treasure the memories of those moments with my dad. 

POPPY'S CAPRESE BREAD

1  LOAF OF A CRUSTY ITALIAN OR CIABATTA BREAD
1  FRESH MOZZARELLA
4 RED RIPE TOMATOES
4 CLOVES OF GARLIC
BASIL 
SALT & PEPPER

This actually takes 5 minutes to put together and there really is no recipe. It is just a matter of layering the ingredients on the bread and getting it in the oven. That's why we loved it so much. It is soooo good, just like a caprese salad on bread. So simple to make and a nice change to your basic garlic bread.

Gather all your ingredients together!! Slice your mozzarella thinly, as well as your tomatoes. You are ready to build.

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees.

Slice your bread in half lengthwise and place on foil lined cookie sheet.  Drizzle generously with olive oil.

Layer your tomatoes first. Drizzle again with olive oil. Season with salt & pepper. Then, use your garlic press. Two cloves on each side of the bread. Squeeze it through and spread it all over the bread. YUMMMMM!!!!

Now just sprinkle on the torn basil and add a layer of the thinly sliced mozzarella on top.

How beautiful is it just like that? I want to eat it now!!!  Bake at 350 degrees just for about 15 min to get it started and then turn the oven to low broil for the last 2 minutes. Keep a close eye on it, because that cheese will burn quickly. 

This makes a great snack, lunch, appetizer or a kicked up garlic bread. Also a great no meat friday night option. Here's one for you Poppy!!! ENJOY!!