Cherry Tomatoes with melted Mozzarella

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Cherry Tomatoes with melted Mozzarella

This time of year you can get wonderful fresh orange cherry tomatoes from Steve owner of Rocky Ridge Farms at the Wake Forest Farmers Market.

1 pound fusilli pasta
3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced

1 bay leaf
3 cups cherry tomatoes, quartered (about 1 1/2 pints) if you can find the orange tomatoes, they are less acidy
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/2 cup packed fresh basil leaves, chopped coarsely
8 ounces fresh mozzarella, diced (about 1 1/4 cups)

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the pasta and cook until tender but still firm to the bite, stirring occasionally, about 8 to 10 minutes. Drain pasta into a large bowl and reserve 1/2 cup of the cooking liquid.

In a medium skillet heat the evoo over medium heat. Add the garlic and sauté about 2 minutes. Add the tomatoes, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. As the tomatoes cook and soften, smash them with a fork. Continue to cook until the tomatoes make a chunky style sauce, about 4 minutes. Transfer the tomato sauce to the bowl with the pasta. Toss to combine. Add the basil leaves and mozzarella. Stir to combine. Add the reserved pasta water, 1/4 cup at a time, until the pasta is moist.

From “Gourmet Sensations, Healthy Food Alternatives” by Cindy Karas