Food, just not that into it. If you knew me, (and I believe you will if you continue to read these blogs) that food to me is a necessity to living. Something I have to do. It’s not that I don’t enjoy a good meal, I personally think it just takes too long and there are ten other things I would rather be doing. However, there are some times where I have to make things for entertaining purposes.
This is one of my favorite things to make in the summer. It’s cool, refreshing and everyone seems to love them. Here’s the recipe, then below I’ll let you know what I change to make it a bit easier:
Ingredients
- 1 clove garlic, smashed
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/8 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 12 bocconcini (small mozzarella balls), about 8 ounces
- 1 pint mixed red and yellow cherry or pear tomatoes
- 12 basil leaves, preferably large
- 12 (6-inch) wooden skewers
Directions
Combine the garlic, salt, pepper flakes, and olive oil in a medium glass bowl. Cover and microwave on high until the garlic is golden, about 2 minutes. Cool. Add the bocconcini and refrigerate for at least 1 and up to 24 hours.
Thread a yellow cherry tomato onto a skewer, wrap a bocconcini in a basil leaf and add to the skewer, then finish with a red tomato. For a dramatic presentation, use both pear and cherry tomatoes. Halve the top cherry tomato and use it as a stand for the skewer.
Repeat with the remaining cheese and tomatoes. Save the oil for a dipping sauce and serve with a small bowl of kosher salt. (Copyright (c) 2004 Television Food Network, G.P., All Rights Reserved)
What I do:
1. To make this quicker, I will buy the mozzarella balls already marinated, then just alternate the mozzarella, basil and tomato on the skewers.
2. The last time I made these I used fresh mozzarella with the basil and tomatoes. Everyone seemed to like it better. I still put out olive oil and kosher salt in case someone wanted to dunk a bit, but no one seemed to.
You can also use toothpicks and have them stand up for a different appearance. This recipe is really quick to make and the kids can help too! Enjoy.
-Shannon
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