I can still remember the day that Ron and I snuck out of the house by ourselves. After 13 years of not being able to step outside together without arranging for babysitters or picking up Vo-Vo to come and watch the kids, this moment was one that I would never forget. We were giddy with excitement as we drove out of the driveway and turned right out of our neighborhood; drove 500 feet to our local restaurant for a drink. At that moment, it didn’t matter that we were going right across the street to enjoy one drink together for maybe an hour. It was the first time in thirteen years that we were going out together and leaving all four kiddos at home with Alexandra. It was freedom!
I will never forget that day because it signified a change in our lives and we started realizing how much we loved to occasionally sneak out and enjoy dinner just the two of us. Now that the kids are older, and it is no longer an full fledged event to plan a night out, we enjoy dinners at the quaint downtown area of our little town. We have this one tiny restaurant that has become our favorite spot. You know the kind, everyone knows where you like to sit and they bring you a glass of wine before you even sit down. In this little spot a couple of years ago, we were introduced to burrata and it was love at first bite. We order the burrata bresaola and arugula appetizer every time we visit and it is always delicious. I have been wanting to play around with a new recipe featuring burrata and I think this Valentine’s Day, I am going to surprise Ron with a new appetizer – burrata and garlic tomato appetizer.
- 1 burrata ball
- 1 cup of tomato sauce, I use my homemade - use homemade or your favorite kind
- 6 - 12 garlic cloves peeled
- ¼ cup Olive oil
- Pink Himalayan Sea Salt and fresh ground pepper to taste or use your favorite sea salt
- fresh basil to garnish, optional
- Serve with warm crusty bread
- Cook the tomato sauce over medium-low heat until warm.
- In a small skillet add the olive oil and garlic cloves and cook on medium-low heat until the olive oil is warm and the garlic is lightly brown on all sides. Keep an eye on it and lower heat if the olive oil gets too hot. You want the garlic to brown but not burn the olive oil.
- Remove the garlic cloves from the heat.
- On a large plate, layer the olive oil, tomato sauce and top with the burrata.
- Add the garlic cloves and season with fresh ground pink himalayan sea salt and pepper.
- Garnish with basil if desired.
- Serve with warm crusty bread.
So what makes burrata different than fresh mozzarella? The outer shell of the buratta cheese is solid mozzarella, while the inside contains both mozzarella and cream. When you cut into it, you get this burst of buttery soft cheese that is just amazing.
Gallo’s Riesling is a vivid and sweet option for a wonderful pairing to burrata cheese; it is light bodied and versatile, featuring flavors of peach and citrus. We really enjoyed pairing this tangy fresh burrata and garlic tomato appetizer with the Riesling – such a wonderful addition to a special meal.
We also enjoy Gallo’s Sweet Red wine. It is a medium bodied selection, bursting with berry flavors and boasts a velvety soft finish. I may have to whip up a dessert this Valentine’s Day to pair with the Sweet Red Wine and surprise Ron. Any suggestions?
We look forward to seeing you around the family table as we share our delicious Valentine’s Day recipes paired with Gallo Family Vineyards’ wine. These recipes will have you drooling and inspire you to create a dish to pair with your favorite wine. strong>Alluring Appetizers and Brunch:
- Burrata and Garlic Tomato Appetizer by Family Foodie
- Shrimp Stuffed Mushrooms by Life Tastes Good
- Strawberry Love Bombs by Peaceful Cooking
Magnificent Main Dishes:
- Braised Lamb Ragu by The Girl In The Little Red Kitchen
- Bruschetta Chicken and Pasta by Casa de Crews
- Mahi Mahi with Roasted Tomatoes and Fennel by The Messy Baker
- Seafood Risotto by Serena Bakes Simply From Scratch
- Thai Sweet Chili Glazed Salmon by The Foodie Army Wife
Dazzling Desserts and Sweets:
- Caramel Apple Pie Bites for Two by Feed Me, Seymour
- Chocolate Coconut Haystacks by Peanut Butter and Peppers
- Chocolate Coeur a la Creme by That Skinny Chick Can Bake
- Chocolate Espresso Creme Brulee by Kudos Kitchen by Renee
- Gluten Free Deep Dish Red Velvet Brownies for Two by Cupcakes & Kale Chips
- Creamy Lemon Tart by Magnolia Days
- Mocha Fudge by Alida’s Kitchen
- Polenta Cake with Honey Yogurt and Peach Preserves by The Wimpy Vegetarian
- Raspberry Custard by Nosh My Way
- Raspberry Meringue Hearts by Desserts Required
- Strawberry Chocolate Mousse Brownie by Flavor Mosaic
- Valentine’s Day Cream Puffs by Ruffles & Truffles
For more information on Gallo Family Vineyards wines and menu pairing ideas, visit their website (where you can also find a store locator). Get connected with Gallo Family on Facebook, follow them on Twitter, see their snaps on Instagram, and watch their videos on YouTube for more ideas and updates. Finally, see what is inspiring Gallo Family Vineyards for Valentine’s Day on their blog.
Compensation was provided by Gallo Family Vineyards via Sunday Supper, LLC. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author, and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of Gallo Family Vineyards.
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Liz Berg
February 8, 2015 at 5:25 amI adore burrata and could easily make this marvelous appetizer my dinner or lunch! Fabulous!!!
FamilyFoodie
February 8, 2015 at 11:10 amI am right there with you Liz!
Renee Dobbs
February 8, 2015 at 6:05 amI wonderful appetizer and I just might surprise my husband with it on Valentine’s Day too.
FamilyFoodie
February 8, 2015 at 11:10 amI bet your husband will love it!
Brianne (CupcakeKaleChip)
February 8, 2015 at 7:07 amLive the delicious simplicity here, but I also must say, Isabel, I was cleaning up some of my Pinterest boards and came across a few of your photos from a couple years ago and let me say, these are stunning an you have come so far!
FamilyFoodie
February 8, 2015 at 11:09 amThank you Brianne – you have no idea how much that means to me. Photography has been such a challenge.
Marion@Life Tastes Good
February 8, 2015 at 8:47 amIsabel this is such an elegant appetizer, yet so simple. It sounds delicious and I’d just love to have a piece of crusty french bread to go with that right now! Happy Valentine’s Day 🙂
FamilyFoodie
February 8, 2015 at 11:09 amMarion… that bread dipped in the sauce — The bomb!
hipfoodiemom
February 8, 2015 at 8:58 amIsabel, I love burrata!!! one of my favorite cheeses!! this looks soooo good!!! and loved reading about your first date night after you had the kids. . so fun and liberating, huh?! 🙂 love this appetizer!
FamilyFoodie
February 8, 2015 at 11:08 amIt truly was a night I will never forget – I tell you, we were like little kids.
Susan P. (@littleredkitchn)
February 8, 2015 at 9:01 amThis is just perfect! I can never say no to an appetizer than involves burrata!
FamilyFoodie
February 8, 2015 at 11:08 amI am right there with you Susan!
Cindy Kerschner
February 8, 2015 at 9:03 amThis sounds like my kind of appetizer, Isabel! Delicious!
FamilyFoodie
February 8, 2015 at 11:07 amThanks Cindy!
kudoskitchen
February 8, 2015 at 9:09 amI’m almost embarassed to say that I’ve never had burrata. I seriously need to change that. Your description of it has me swooning. I’m sure your husband is going to love this, Isabel. I know I would!
FamilyFoodie
February 8, 2015 at 11:07 amYou have to try it. If you like fresh mozzarella, you will LOVE burrata.
Jody O'Grady
February 8, 2015 at 11:27 pmIf I can’t find Burrata, which I have not seen in our local grocers, would it work as well with fresh mozzarella, or not??
FamilyFoodie
February 9, 2015 at 8:29 amHi Jody, I think fresh Mozzarella would also be fantastic. I know burrata can be hard to find. I purchase mine at a local Italian deli.
Jennifer @ Peanut Butter and Peppers
February 8, 2015 at 11:04 amWow Isabel, this look simply amazing! I just love it!
FamilyFoodie
February 8, 2015 at 11:07 amThanks Jennifer!
The Wimpy Vegetarian
February 8, 2015 at 1:29 pmBurrata is a favorite for me too. I enjoyed so much reading about you guys sneaking out for a ‘date’!
FamilyFoodie
February 8, 2015 at 2:45 pmThank you! It’s funny the moments that we remember most.
Alida
February 8, 2015 at 2:09 pmSuch a stunning appetizer….looks delicious!
Liz @ Floating Kitchen
February 8, 2015 at 2:59 pmThis looks fantastic! Burrata is basically the best invention ever. So I’m loving this appetizer!
FamilyFoodie
February 8, 2015 at 8:21 pmI so agree with you… there is nothing better than a great burrata. Let me know if you make it for your family.
Michele @ Flavor Mosaic
February 8, 2015 at 4:13 pmI know my hubby would be so impressed if I made this for Valentine’s Day!
FamilyFoodie
February 8, 2015 at 8:21 pmLet me know if you do and please share his reaction.
Thalia @ butter and brioche
February 8, 2015 at 4:31 pmThis appetizer has all the classic flavours of a caprese that I love! Just delicious and I have to make this!
FamilyFoodie
February 8, 2015 at 8:20 pmSo true Thalia – it’s like fresh mozzarella only better… that middle is so creamy. Let me know if you try this.
Constance J Smith
February 9, 2015 at 11:31 amThis is such a beautiful dish – elegant!
Betsy @ Desserts Required
February 9, 2015 at 5:53 pmRon is going to LOVE this. How could he not, though? The recipe looks delicious and the story behind it is what Valentine’s Day is all about.
In terms of dessert, I would suggest Raspberry Meringue Hearts! 😉 <3
rozpaige
February 9, 2015 at 9:02 pmOh I love this recipe! What a wonderful appetizer!!!! Gorgeous, gorgeous photography too, Isabel!
Danielle
February 9, 2015 at 9:07 pmNow that I know what burrata is….I MUST find some and try it!
Serena | Serena Bakes Simply From Scratch
February 10, 2015 at 1:46 pmThis is the perfect appetizer! So seductive with the flavors! Love it!
Danielle Nichols
February 10, 2015 at 9:22 pmI have yet to experience burrata.,,,and now i’m going to be obsessed until I do! What a great story. I so remember those days and yes, how fun it was to sneak away once the kids were older. ::)
Home cleaning Hammersmith
February 12, 2015 at 6:56 amI love burrata very much. And this one looks scrumptious. Thank you for sharing. I will try it.