It’s the best time of the year to eat tomatoes and my basil is growing on my deck, and that’s why I love this quick and easy recipe, found at How Sweet It Is, to whip up quickly for an impromptu gathering this summer!

All you need are three ingredients!  Mozzarella, basil and tomatoes…all fresh!  If you live in the Dallas area, I recommend picking up Paula Lamber’s Mozzarella Co. fresh mozzarella at Eatzi’s!  Check here to see if there are stores close to you that carry this locally-made cheese.  It’s the best!

Using fresh basil is also key!  If you have sun in your yard, you should buy a couple of basil plants and watch it flourish!  It’s a fast growing herb that you’ll enjoy throughout the summer for making pesto and this yummy dip!

Hot Caprese Dip

serves 2-4

10 ounces fresh mozzarella, chopped into cubes

2 roma tomatoes, seeded and juiced

3 tablespoons freshly chopped basil (or about 1 tablespoon dried) + more for garnish

Preheat oven to 375.

Make sure tomatoes have as much juiced squeezed out of them as possible – this will prevent the dip from becoming soupy. In a small baking dish, combine chopped cheese, tomatoes and basil and mix. Bake for 15 minutes, then broil for 2 minutes so cheese becomes bubbly and golden. Serve immediately with crackers or melba toasts.

Note: dip may appear “watery” which is why it is VERY important to get as much moisture out of the tomatoes as possible. Also make sure dip is consumed immediately, as the longer it sits, the more juice that develops. Don’t worry if there is a little bit of juice – it is still delicious!

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What’s your favorite easy recipe to make during the summer?  What do you make with your fresh herbs?

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Happy Friday, everyone!  The weather has been “California-like” this week in Dallas!  My plans this weekend are to spend as much time outside as possible and enjoy it before the Texas heat begins to burn!

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I love planting herbs this time of year.  In the past I’ve stacked terra cotta pots for herb and flower gardens, but I’m loving the look of these galvanized buckets for a more industrial look.  Perhaps this year’s basil will get a new look for it’s home!

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I really want to do a pallet garden like this one that’s been pinned on Pinterest a bagillion times!  If you have any old wooden pallets in the Dallas area and want to get rid of them, give me a shout!

OK…I’ve decided to try a new Friday series and I would welcome your feedback.  During my romp around the web during the week, I find many exceptional things that I don’t share, simply because I don’t have time to put together a complete post, so I thought I would share several links that I feel are highlights from my web travels…

This sweet kitty is ready to come to your defense!

I’m swooning over Eden & Eden’s vintage folk cushions!

Wallpaper that looks like scrap wood  - Check out a similar look on the walls of Highland Park Village’s new Five and Ten

Could possibly be the perfect dress for this spring and summer

Anyone care to join me at this retreat?

Hmmm…Where shall we brunch in Paris?

Easy changes for less toxins in your home!

It’s on!  Cover the night today! 

Let me know what you think about the quick links and if it’s something you like, I’ll continue every Friday…

Have a great weekend, ya’ll!  XO!