Panzanella: Italian Bread Salad

Ingredients

• 1/2 French bread loaf cut into 1" cubes
• Olive oil for frying
• Salt and pepper
• 3 tablespoons chiffonade of basil
• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• 4 Italian Roma tomatoes, cut into 1/2 " slices
• 1/4 pound fresh Mozzarella cheese, cut into 1/2 " slices

Directions

For croutons: In a large saute pan, heat the olive oil. When smoking hot, add the bread cubes and fry until golden, about 3-4 minutes. Stir often to prevent from sticking. Remove from pan and drain on a paper-lined plate. Season with salt and pepper Toss the remain ingredients together in a mixing bowl. Season with salt and pepper.

To assemble, toss the fried bread with the other ingredients and place on a platter. Can be made ahead of time, by keeping the bread separate until serving.