Herb Panzanella With Tomatoes And Husk Cherries Food

HEIRLOOM TOMATO PANZANELLA

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 375 degrees F and preheat a cookie sheet in it.
• Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat and cook until it foams. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds to 1 minute. Add the bread cubes and toss to coat with the butter. Season with salt and pepper. Transfer the bread to a baking sheet. Immediately sprinkle with the cheese and toss again while warm to melt the cheese.
• Bake, stirring once or twice, until the croutons are crisp and lightly colored on the outside but still soft within, about 8 or 9 minutes. Let cool. Store in an airtight container.
• Michael's Notes: I use a serrated knife to remove the crust from day-old bread, then switch to a chef's knife to cut the cubes because it doesn't tear the bread. Also note that I recommend grating the Parmesan finely so that it will stick to the bread better.

HERB PANZANELLA WITH TOMATOES AND HUSK CHERRIES

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 300 degrees.
• Place tomatoes, husk cherries, and onion in a large bowl; season with salt and pepper. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil; toss to combine and set aside.
• In a medium ovenproof skillet, heat 3 tablespoons olive oil over medium-high heat. Add garlic and cook, until lightly browned. Add bread and toss to coat; season with salt and pepper. Transfer skillet to oven and bake until bread is crisp, about 12 minutes.
• Add bread to bowl with tomatoes, along with tomato water and vinegar; toss to combine. Let stand, occasionally tossing to evenly saturate, until liquid is absorbed, 2 to 3 minutes. Add herbs and toss to combine; drizzle with remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil and serve immediately.

PANZANELLA WITH MOZZARELLA AND HERBS

Steps:

• Heat oven to 425 degrees. Spread the bread cubes on a rimmed baking sheet and toss with 2 tablespoons oil and a pinch of salt. Bake until they are dried out and pale golden brown at the edges, about 7 to 15 minutes. Let cool on a wire rack.
• Cut tomatoes into bite-size pieces and transfer to a large bowl. Add mozzarella, onions, garlic paste, 1 tablespoon vinegar, oregano or thyme, 1/4 teaspoon salt and the red pepper flakes if using. Toss to coat and set aside.
• In a medium bowl, combine remaining 1 tablespoon vinegar, the mustard, 1/4 teaspoon salt and some black pepper to taste. While whisking constantly, slowly drizzle in the remaining 4 tablespoons olive oil until the mixture is thickened. Stir in cucumbers, basil and parsley.
• Add bread cubes, cucumber mixture and capers to the tomatoes and toss well. Let sit for at least 30 minutes and up to 4 hours before serving. Toss with a little more olive oil, vinegar and salt if needed just before serving.