Antipasto di Mozzarella... Marinated Mozzarella Appetizer...

 I like to serve appetizers that are quick, simple and delicious... Marinated Mozzarella is one that I make often.  Just a few fresh ingredients come together to make a really  delicious starter...

Fresh Basil,  Roasted Peppers, Capers...

Diced Fresh Mozzarella,  Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Sea Salt and Pepper...

I bake my own Rustic Artisan Bread several times a week ( I TRY not to make it EVERY day)...

 Oh,  and the Fresh Ricotta ( I try not to make THAT every day too)...

After appetizers like these, you really don't even need dinner... just add wine...

Antipasto di Torta di Pere e Ricotta... Pear & Ricotta Appetizer Tart...

I always like to use Seasonal ingredients in my cooking. With Fall in the air,  Pears are an obvious choice,  and one of my favorite  Fall Fruits.  I sauteed the Pear Halves in a little Butter and Rosemary...

 I make fresh Ricotta several times a week and had a little left over,   which was perfect,  because it was a little firmer than if I had just made it.  I made a small tart shell from purchased Puff Pastry,   filled the Pastry with the Ricotta which I mixed with a little honey,  and topped with the Sauteed Pears...

Then I topped it all off  with a few Candied Walnuts which I had made the day before.  I baked the Tart for about 15 minutes...

Jim said it was one of his Favorite  Appetizers...

Fruit, Nuts, Cheese, classic combination...  Seriously Delicious...