Ingredients:

  Amount  Measure       Ingredient -- Preparation Method
--------  ------------  --------------------------------
   4      medium        yellow and red bell peppers
   2      tablespoons   extra-virgin olive oil
  18                    garlic cloves -- sliced
     1/4  cup           plus 1-1/2 teaspoons
                        balsamic vinegar
   2      sprigs        fresh thyme or
     1/4  teaspoon      dried
   6      ounces        fresh mozzarella cheese
                        sliced as thin as possible
     1/4  cup           coarsely chopped flat-leaf
                        parsley or fresh basil
                        freshly ground black pepper

Preparation:

1. Roast the bell peppers directly over a gas flame or under the broiler as close to the heat as possible, turning, until charred all over, about 5 minutes. Enclose the peppers in a paper bag and set aside for 10 minutes to steam. With a small knife, scrape off the blackened skin; remove the cores, seeds and ribs. Rinse under running water. Slice the peppers lengthwise into 1-inch strips. (The recipe can be prepared to this point up to 3 days ahead; cover and refrigerate.) 2. In a small non-reactive skillet, combine the olive oil and garlic. Cover and cook over very low heat until the garlic is very tender, 7 to 10 minutes. Uncover the pan, increase the heat to moderate and cook until browned, about 2 minutes. Stir in the vinegar and thyme and cook for 1 minute. 3. To assemble, decoratively arrange the pepper strips and mozzarella slices on 6 small plates. Spoon the caramelized garlic dressing over the peppers and cheese and sprinkle the parsley and black pepper on top. Serve at room temperature. The salad can be assembled up to 2 hours before serving.