Summer is my favorite season.  Yes, it's dreadfully hot, dry armpits aren't an option, and makeup runs off my face, but there is something about the time of year that makes me so happy.  I love the flush in my cheeks, the sound of lawn mowers running, the nightly smells of grills around the neighborhood, and most of all, my favorite fruits come into season.  One of my favorites since I was a little girl has always been the peach.  When they are sweet I could eat them by the dozen.  I put them in drinks, eat them alone for a snack, make marinades, and love throwing them into salads.  And speaking of salads, my peach caprese salad is my current lunch obsession and I can guarantee you that it will keep your tummy happy all summer long.

I'm aware it's not officially summer and that peaches aren't actually in their prime just yet, but remember I'm pregnant and when I set my sites on something food related...well there is just no turning back.  I took one sniff of a peach at the grocery and I was a goner.  I have been eating them for three weeks now and can be spotted eating at least two a day.  

One of my favorite light dishes to make in the summer when tomatoes are also at their peak is a caprese salad.  Tomato, basil, and mozzarella...it's one of my favorite flavor combinations!  I wanted to shake things up on a classic and decided to throw some sweet peaches into the mix! You might be thinking that tomatoes and peaches are a strange combination, but let me tell you, they are the perfect pair!

You guys this salad is so good, and is perfect on it's own for a lovely lunch or can be served for dinner with a piece of grilled fish or chicken.  Bonus points if you are eating it outside on a patio with a glass of white wine!  Just peachy if you ask me.  Yep, I went there, but you already knew I would...

Ingredients:

• 3 Peaches, Sliced

• 5 Campari Tomatoes, Quartered (or whatever tomatoes look great at the market)

• Handful of Fresh Basil Leaves

• 4 Oz. of Fresh Mozzarella

• 1 Tbsp. Good Quality Extra Virgin Olive Oil

• 1 Tbsp. Balsamic Glaze (Reduce balsamic vinegar in a pot over medium heat until it thickens and gets nice and sweet. Alternatively if you have a Trader Joes's near you, they make an amazing balsamic glaze ready to go.)

• 1 Tsp. Kosher Salt

• 1 Tsp. Fresh Cracked Black Pepper

Directions:

• Arrange peaches and tomatoes on a serving dish.

• Sprinkle basil leaves evenly about.

• Tear mozzarella cheese into small bites and sprinkle over the tomatoes, peaches, and basil.

• Drizzle with balsamic glaze and olive oil.

• Sprinkle with salt and pepper.

• Serve immediately.

The colors are amazeballs and the flavor will not disappoint.  It's summer on a plate and I can't wait for you to give this a try!  

I gotta know, what's your favorite season?  And what is your favorite fruit of summer?