Caprese

       Caprese salad is a truly elegant meal. There are only three main ingredients but such complex flavor. It takes you to Italy every time. I reference elegant in the mathematical sense, when something complicated is reduced to a simple formula (Albert Einstein’s mass-energy equivalence, E = mc², as part of the ‘Theory of Relativity,’ is a perfect example of an elegant equation). Following Einstein’s train of thought or understanding the beautiful relationship between these three ingredients is too hard for me. One thing I do know though, is that if you remove one part of the recipe or the equation, the rest is incomplete. Tomato and basil just doesn’t do the trick. Understanding and maintaining these relationships is similar with the Trinity. Jesus is God’s only begotten Son, fully human and also fully God. Also, Jesus went to heaven after He rose from the dead and defeated death on the cross. In His absence, He promised us all His Holy Spirit (John 14:25-31) to guide us and teach us. All three ingredients are there, working together as one. The Trinity is very complex, yet at the same time should be enjoyed just like this salad, or equation. Coming to full understanding may not be reached, but I am thankful that God is bigger than I can imagine. Also, it is important to maintain all the parts of the trinity, because without one part, God is not fully recognized.

        The three parts of this salad and the three parts of the equation, energy, mass and acceleration, are not fully operable though without definitions to the relationships. The metaphor may be extended, showing that like the olive oil (or balsamic vinegar and pepper), or the squared function, God is a God who works through the bind of love (Colossians 3:14). 1 John 4:8 says, “Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.” I may not be able to understand the Trinity in whole, but as a result of having it made freely available to me through the gospel of Jesus Christ, I can definitely come to terms with it. God is beyond us, truly loves us, and is all about welcoming us into a relationship with Him. That is, a Holy Trinity relationship, defined by love!

       Making the caprese ('ka-prray-zay') is easy. Start by selecting your tomatoes, mozzarella (I would recommend mozzarella di bufala), and fresh basil. Cutting the tomatoes with a bread knife helps to avoid squishing. Place out your desired amounts of ingredients, drizzle generously with olive oil, and add balsamic vinegar and freshly ground pepper to taste. Enjoy the complexity of the simplicity.

Roma (plum) tomatoes or heirloom tomatoes

Buffalo mozzarella

Fresh basil

Extra virgin olive oil

Balsamic vinegar and freshly ground black pepper to taste

♥   Praise the Lord! 'He Art cooking' the cookbook is done! Here is a sneak peak (3 of 3 recipes) of what you can order (order here!). God Bless your cooking and enjoy the recipes (Scripture) from the Lord as well!