Being a default photo stylist for the last 15 years has been a great advantage when it comes to lazy time ‘cooking.’ I am proud to say that I can take almost any ingredient, cut it, garnish it and plop it on a pretty plate and make it look like I’ve spent a lot more time than I did preparing it. Yes. I aim to impress.
Sometimes this slight of hand is just that, and the food tastes exactly as it would have if I had left well enough alone.
Other times though, the whole styling process results in an entirely new dish that surprises even me.
A couple of weekends ago I had planned a very simple lunch of mozzarella and bread out in Todi. But even though it was just Domenico and me, I couldn’t bring myself to just dump the mozzarella on a plate and call it a meal.
Once sliced and laid the mozzarella out on a Deruta platter (us stylists always have lots of decorative platters laying around) I couldn’t leave well enough alone. Thin strips of anchovies from Cetara, a drizzle of fruity olive oil and finally a big handful of my beloved chives.
Not only food magazine worthy photo time, but incredibly good too.
It turns out there is a way to make mozzarella taste even better. 
Yummy! I will try it this week for sure!
– Marie
I can never find as beautiful anchovies in America. They all taste like brown slivers of crusty salt and tiny bones. Any suggestions?
Buy Cetara anchovies on line at Gustiamo.com
Rosemary,
Amazon.com has a variety of
SALTED CANNED ANCHOVIES
Dear Elizabeth, the idea is great, next time try also with a good balsamic vinegar, most of the people do not know that the balsamic vinegar is great on the seafood (shrimps, smoket fish, fried seafood, etc. )
try also the Fruity balsamic with a fresh sliced fruit (pineapple, or pears, strawberries) it is a great snack during these hot summer afternoon.. with my special regards, silvia sesto senso
Buy Cetara Anchovies on line at Gustiamo.com
I’m sure this is delicious! Would never have thought to pair anchovies and mozzarella, but now that you say it…I must try it immediately!
Wow, this looks amazing. I hosting a dinner party in a couple weeks and plan to have this as a starter. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks for sharing with us.