No Fuss Summertime Tomatoes and Mozzarella

This recipe will result in approximately even numbers of tomato halves and mozzarella balls.  It is an appetizer/side dish for four to six people.  It can be made year-round, but fresh summertime tomatoes are, of course, sweeter and juicier.

1 8-oz. container of fresh mozzarella “pearls” (in water is best)
50 grape tomatoes (a mix of Sungold and Sweet Million, from your garden or your local farmstand)
¼ cup finely chopped fresh basil
Fresh ground pepper (if desired, to taste)

Cut each tomato in half, place in large mixing bowl
Grind a bit of pepper over tomatoes
Drain container of mozzarella pearls, spread them over the tomatoes
Grind a bit more pepper
Sprinkle chopped basil over the tomatoes and mozzarella, mix thoroughly
Lightly chill, or serve immediately

(Notes:  (1) Sungold and Sweet Million are our preference in summertime, but any grape tomatoes can be used; (2) do not use dried basil in place of fresh basil.)