Marinated Fresh Mozzarella in Tangerine Champagne Vinaigrette Crostini

about 7 – 10 crostini

Mandarin Salt or plain Madron Salt – a pinch on top of each crostini

Whole batch

• 1 box – (1 1/4 Cup) Maldon Salt
• Zest of 4 – 8 Mandarin Oranges – depends on how much citrus you want (I used 5, which is mild)

Small batch

• 1/4 Cup Maldon Salt
• Zest of 1 – 2 Mandarin Orange

Start by making the vinaigrette.

Slice the mozzarella balls 3/4 of the way through making sure not to cut all the way through the ball.  Or you can cut them in half if you prefer.  Add the cut mozzarella balls to the marinade and let marinate overnight or for at least four hours.

Mandarin Salt

The rest

Wash, dry and pick the basil leaves off of the stems.  You can

keep the leaves whole or chiffonade them.

Slice the baguette into 1/2 inch slices and follow this recipe.

You can either serve the marinated mozzarella and basil on the side and let your guest build their own crostini.  Or, top the crostini with two or three mozzarella balls and a few basil leaves.  (They stay on the crostini best when cut in half, but I like the way they look whole.)  Serve with a side of the marinade to be drizzled on top or to dip the bread in.

Another option is to put the mozzarella balls on the crostini and stick it under the broiler for a minute to melt, then add the fresh basil leaves to serve.  Serve with a side of the marinade to be drizzled on top or to dip the bread in.

*

Tangerines are a type of mandarin orange. They are a valuable source of flavonoid antioxidants that are several times higher than oranges but have even more vitamin A and iron. The vitamin A in them helps with immune function, vision and reproductive health. As with all citrus, they are still very rich in vitamin C that stimulates the production of collagen and helps keeps your skin supple as well as stimulating cell generation in the body. Antioxidants are found in high concentrations in the rind of tangerines, which fight off free radicals keeping the body’s cells healthy while purifying the blood and remove toxins.  They contain natural soluble and insoluble fiber that improves digestion and restrict the absorption of cholesterol in the gut, which helps cut the risk of obesity and reduce inflammation. The tangerine fruit has been used effectively against skin diseases and arthritis. They also help to absorb iron from food into the body and contain a good amount of Folate and Potassium.