It’s HOT.

No it’s not Paris hot. It’s HOT hot! We’re sitting at a 110 degree heat index at the moment, so I figured it was in my best interests to workout in the comfort of my air conditioned living room this afternoon.

I popped in a Yoga DVD…but got bored with it after 5 minutes and had a Barney Butter packet Molly sent me instead!

I’ve been eating Trader Joe’s & MaraNatha almond butter lately and have forgotten how ridiculously delicious Barney Butter is! I don’t love the fact that it’s got added sugars & oils, but gosh darn it, they sure do taste good.

Onward! To the most beautiful dinner I’ve had in awhile!

It was almost too pretty to eat. Emphasis on almost.

I made an Italian island-inspired Caprese Salad!

My version is basically the opposite of the traditional Insalata Caprese – invented on the island of Capri, Italy – but gosh darn it, it tasted spectacular!

You see, Insalata Caprese was created as a light summertime lunch using just-picked tomatoes and fresh cow’s milk mozzarella.

Originally it was said to have included a few leaves of arugula and a dash of wild oregano.

The dressing is to only include a light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and NO VINEGAR. Never any vinegar!

Well, I’m breakin’ all the rules with my store-bought tomato and mozzarella cheese, sprigs of fresh basil, sprinkle of salt & pepper, and a final flourish of extra virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar reduction! Oh, and a bed of baby spinach!

Best knock-off salad I ever made!

The cheese was mild and milky, the tomato & basil flavors were the epitome of summertime fresh, and the balsamic reduction brought the whole thing home.

Flavor explosion!

Ooo that was good – and didn’t weight me down. On second thought, I think I might brave the heat, hop on my bike and take a ride. The heat is more tolerable when you’ve got the blazing hot wind in your hair!

Have a good night!