Open-Faced Tomato, Mozzarella and Basil Sandwich

Ingredients

• 8 medium tomatoes
• 3 (16-ounce) balls fresh mozzarella
• 4 loaves ciabatta, sliced in 1/2 lengthwise
• 1 cup prepared pesto
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 32 basil leaves

Directions

Core the tomatoes and slice each tomato and each ball of mozzarella into 1/4-inch thick slices.

Place the sliced ciabatta loaves on a work surface, and spread each half evenly with 1/8 cup pesto. Place 4 slices of tomato and 3 slices mozzarella side by side on the top of each half loaf and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Place 4 basil leaves on top of each sandwich.

Slice each half loaf crosswise into 4 serving portions, making sure that each piece has a slice of tomato, mozzarella and a basil leaf.