Caprese Skewers

This recipe is one of the easiest appetizers you'll ever make, and if you have an abundance of cherry tomatoes and basil still overflowing in your garden, then it's perfect to make right now! With just three ingredients, you'll be able to put these together in no time!

Caprese Skewers

24 grape or cherry tomatoes

12 marinated mini mozzarella balls

12 large basil leaves

12 mini skewers

Olive oil (optional)

Balsamic vinegar reduction* (optional, recipe follows)

Salt & pepper (optional)

1. Thread two tomatoes, one mozzarella ball, and one basil leaf onto each mini skewer, alternating ingredients.
2. If using unmarinated mozzarella balls, consider drizzling with olive oil and balsamic vinegar reduction and sprinkling with salt and pepper.
3. For best results, assemble up to 4 hours prior to serving. Store in the refrigerator.

Notes:

• We used marinated mozzarella balls so that we could skip the additional step of drizzling with olive oil and balsamic reduction and sprinkling with salt and pepper.
• We used large basil leaves, so only used one per skewer. If you are using small basil leaves, you may want to use two per skewer.
• One recipe yields 12 appetizer skewers. Double the recipe for a larger crowd.
• Because of their beautiful red, white, and green color, these also make a great (and quick!) appetizer to bring to Christmas parties. If you're wondering where you can find fresh basil in December, most grocery stores carry fresh herbs in produce section.

How to Reduce Balsamic Vinegar

If you want to use Balsamic Vinegar Reduction for your recipe, complete this step first and allow to cool while you assemble your Caprese Skewers. Here's how to reduce Balsamic Vinegar if you are using unmarinated mozzarella balls. 

1. Pour 1 cup of balsamic vinegar into a small saucepan over medium-low heat.
2. Cook, stirring occasionally, until vinegar has reduced to about half a cup (this will take about 15 minutes or so). Vinegar will be the consistency of a thin maple syrup.
3. Allow balsamic reduction to cool before drizzling over your Caprese Skewers (it will thicken as it cools).