Caprese Bread

I felt rather special yesterday. It was a fun experience. I had a special privilege because of who I know. Well, barely know but it's enough of an acquaintance to get me behind closed doors.

If you saw my Instagram or Facebook posts you already know what I'm talking about. I went to RoCA* (restaurant on court ave) and had the best waiter! Probably the most memorable!

*isn't it a little bit of a let down to learn the meaning behind the name? It sounds so cool and hipster-like but it's just named extremely literally.

So back to our first-name-basis waiter, Eric. He was super friendly and seemed interesting so we chatted with him and learned he would be moving on to a different job. Then he told us about SIDEBAR, a new coffee, gelato, spirits, and pastry place opening soon that he is helping get started. He said we could come check it out. We weren't really sure if that meant they were open or still doing trial runs. We went anyway.

I'm so glad we did! This place is super fun. Good pastry and lattes! Personnel were fun, modern design and good music! We received coffee, a scone, monkey bread muffin, and apples with amazing caramel. I didn't ask for any of it! Eric and Esther (pastry chef) kept bringing out items for us. Needless to say, I'm hooked and super excited for them to open later this month!

Phone camera pics this week.

As for my food...

I'm still cooking even though you haven't read much about it. This bread is so good and easy! It can stand alone as a meal or simply be an appetizer. You'll need good crusty bread like a baguette or ciabatta. Other must haves include fresh mozzarella, fresh basil, tomatoes and balsamic vinegar. It's all so good together!

Sneak peak at Sidebar!

John 17. I love this chapter. I read it a few days ago and it continues to emphasize the theme of Jesus' life which was to glorify God. As you read this chapter, you are reading Jesus' prayer for himself, his disciples, and those who would believe Him through the disciples message. Everything He prays is God-centric. It's not about the world seeing Jesus but about them seeing Jesus love God by obeying Him which then points people to God. 

I think we forget that the gospel isn't about us. We benefit greatly but we are rescued so that we can glorify God. It's a big circle in my mind. God sent Jesus to point others to God by obeying Him and giving God the credit for His work. Jesus died innocently so that we could know God and in turn, worship God too.  Maybe that's obvious to everyone else but I get rather self-centered day to day and need that message every morning. 

Caprese Bread

Loaf of baguette or ciabatta bread
Pint of cherry or grape tomatoes
8oz fresh mozzarella
1 cup balsamic vinegar
6Tbs butter
2 cloves of garlic minced
Oregano
Thyme
5-6 leaves fresh basil chopped (dried works too)

1. Preheat oven to 350° F and set out butter to let it come to room temperature.
2. Slice the tomatoes in half and spread on a cookie sheet with parchment paper. Drizzle olive oil, oregano, and thyme over the tomatoes. Roast in oven for about 15 minutes.
3. Mince 2 garlic cloves and mix them into the butter. Slice the bread into 1 inch thick slices and spread the garlic butter on top.
4. When the tomatoes are done, place them on the slices of bread. I had 4-5 halves on each slice.
5. Thin slice the cheese and place it on the bread slices.
6. Put the bread on a cookie sheet and into the oven for 8 minutes, or until the cheese is nicely melted.
7. While the bread is in the oven, get the balsamic vinegar on the stove in a saucepan over med-high heat. This will allow it to reduce and make a beautiful sweet, tangy drizzle for the bread.
8. When the bread is out of the oven, drizzle the bread with the balsamic reduction and chopped basil.