Marinated Mozzarella

This is the time of year people start thinking about their showstopping party aps for the Super Bowl. Ok, well maybe not everybody. But the Jersey Girl totally does. I mean honestly, the only thing I care about during the Super Bowl is the food and the half-time show.

Marinated Mozzarella is my go-to. I've been making this literally for a million years. Well, maybe 15, but ….same thing!

I like to serve my marinated mozzarella with toasted garlic baguette, prosciutto, sliced tomato or grape tomatoes and some basil. But you can do whatever you please and it's perfectly rockin' on its own atop your fave cracker.

Your guests will love it no matter what!

Marinated Mozzarella with Garlic Toasts
(Makes 24 servings)

For the mozzarella:
2 to 3 medium balls of fresh mozzarella, drained and sliced
1/2 tsp. garlic powder
1/2 tsp. oregano
1/2 tsp. dried parsley
1/2 tsp. dried basil
1/2 tsp. red pepper flakes
Salt and fresh pepper to taste
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

Combine all dry ingredients in a medium bowl. Add olive oil. Whisk until well blended. Place mozzarella slices in the bowl. Gently fold mozzarella into oil and herb mixture. Let mozzarella rest for at least an hour at room temperature. Stir occasionally.

For the Garlic Toasts:
1 clove of garlic, peeled and cut in half
1 long loaf of crusty Italian bread or French baguette

Preheat broiler.

Slice bread with a serrated knife. Rub each slice with garlic on both sides. Place on a baking sheet. Toast under the broiler for a minute or two. Flip slices to toast both sides. Keep a watchful eye on your broiler!

Serve mozzarella and toasts with thinly sliced prosciutto, fresh basil and tomato slices or grape tomatoes, if in season.