Bare Naked Critic: Caffè Bufala Is Music to Your Mouth

Want to be admired for your excellent taste in food? This appetizer is worth copying down, and it's really easy to put together. 

Caffè Bufala is the more sophisticated sister of the Caprese, and, believe me, the tomato is not missed. This dish is about flavor and presentation. Besides boiling an onion there is no cooking involved.

Ingredients:

• Mozzarella di Bufala (Not your ordinary mozzi. You can find this at Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s or any gourmet specialty store.)
• A drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil (Don’t be cheap here. Opt for a deep colored (slightly green) and richly flavored oil.
• Red onion, blanched
• Basil leaves, fresh
• Finely ground coffee (I prefer a flavorful French Roast.)

Directions

1. Throw a whole red onion into boiling water for 4-5 minutes. Remove and let cool.
2. Chop the end from the onion and remove the outer layer.
3. Use the second layer of the onion, chop it into 2 inch (length) pieces and set aside.
4. Remove the Mozzarella di Bufala from its container and throw away the water.
5. Carefully slice the mozzarella into large chunks without squeezing out all of the milky goodness.
6. Plate the mozzi, 1 piece of onion and the basil leaves decoratively on a plate.
7. Using a butter knife make a line of ground coffee over the mozzi.
8. Drizzle the olive oil to the side of the mozzi and sprinkle with salt.
9. Serve.

*Tell your guests to eat the ingredients together for maximum flavor.

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