Portabella Salad with Balsamic Vinegar

Roasted red peppers are now available in most specialty stores. If they are not marinated, you can marinate your own roasted peppers in the marinade discussed in the recipe, "Marinated Grilled Portabellas"

Start with whole Phillips Portabella caps for this salad, because you need thinner slices than those found in packages. Balsamic vinegar is generally available in specialty stores; buy the best you can afford. The very old ones are sweet with an acid edge perfect for this dish - although most good commercial brands will do. Do not substitute regular wine vinegar.

Ingredients:
• 1 very large or 2 medium fresh tomatoes, sliced thin
• 2 balls fresh mozzarella cheese, cut into 1/4 inch-thick rounds
• 1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 1/3 cup balsamic vinegar
• 2 whole Phillips Portabella caps, 3-4 inches in diameter, thinly sliced
• 2 whole marinated roasted peppers. Sliced into 1-inch-wide pieces
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh basil

Preparation:
Alternate the slices of tomato and mozzarella on 4 plates. Blend together the oil and balsamic vinegar and sprinkle half of it over the tomatoes and cheese. Then place the slices of mushrooms and peppers crossed over one another on top of the tomato and cheese. And sprinkle with the rest of the dressing. Finally, sprinkle the basil over top of the entire salad and serve.

Serves 4