Maria Faires' Mini Caprese Appetizer Skewers

Published:  03/21/2016

These make-ahead appetizer skewers are so delicious and impressive.

If you'd like to make a composed Caprese Salad instead, go here for the recipe.

Makes 6 appetizer servings

• 1 pt. grape tomatoes, washed, dried and halved
• 10 to 14 fresh small (1/3 ounce Ciliegine Cherry Size) mozzarella cheese balls, cut into half. Trim edge of ball to flatten
• See below on where to purchase 25 (2 ½ -inch) wooden frill cocktail appetizer toothpicks
• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 8 thinly sliced fresh basil leaves
• Kosher salt and pepper to taste

1. Approach the tomato from the round (not cut side) and thread 1 tomato half, 1 piece of cheese, and another tomato half (approaching from the cut half) onto each skewer. Place skewers in a shallow serving dish. These can be covered and refrigerated until ready to serve.
2. Mix together olive oil, balsamic vinegar and ¼ tsp kosher salt. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
3. When ready to serve, drizzle oil and vinegar dressing over the skewers; sprinkle with basil and salt and pepper to taste.