Ingredients
- Cherry tomatoes — 1 pint, ripe and juicy
- Fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini or ciliegine) — about 20 pieces
- Fresh basil leaves — a handful, washed and dried
- Extra virgin olive oil — 2 tablespoons
- Balsamic vinegar — ½ cup
- Honey or maple syrup (optional) — 1 teaspoon
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper — to taste
- Wooden skewers or toothpicks — for assembling
Instructions
- Prepare the Balsamic Reduction: Combine balsamic vinegar and honey in a small saucepan. Heat over medium, stirring until it reduces by half and becomes syrupy. Set aside to cool.
- Assemble the Skewers: Skewer a cherry tomato, a mozzarella ball, and a basil leaf. Repeat if desired, then arrange on a serving platter.
- Drizzle and Season: Brush the assembled skewers with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and drizzle the balsamic reduction over the skewers for an elegant presentation.
Notes
- Make the balsamic reduction in advance and store it in a jar; reheat slightly if needed before serving.
- Assemble the skewers shortly before serving to keep ingredients fresh and prevent sogginess.
- Add fresh basil just before serving to prevent browning.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Assembly
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 skewer
- Calories: 45 Kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 2.5g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 0.3g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 5mg