Balsamic Caramelized Onion Caprese - New 2010!

Balsamic Caramelized Onion Caprese

                   ¼ cup olive oil

                   1 sweet large onion, peeled and thinly sliced

                   ½ cup extra dry vermouth

                   2 tablespoons sugar

                   ¼ cup aged balsamic vinegar

                   1 pound fresh water packed mozzarella, sliced into 15 slices

                   15 2½- inch by 2½-inch by ½-inch thick slices seedless watermelon

                   1 cup fresh basil leaves

Heat the oil in a large heavy skillet over medium high heat. Add onions and sauté for about 5 minutes until onions are golden in color and slightly toasted.  Reduce heat to medium. Add the vermouth and sugar to the pan and simmer until most of the liquid has evaporated from the pan. Stir in the balsamic and sauté another few minutes. Remove from heat and cool. Alternate slices of cheese and watermelon on a serving platter or up to 4 individual salad plates. Spoon onion mixture over watermelon and mozzarella slices. Garnish with fresh basil. Serves 5.