Tooth Pick Appetizers
Equipment
- 1 Cutting board
- 1 Chef's knife
- 1 Small bowl
- 1 serving platter
- 20 wooden toothpicks
Ingredients
- 20 each cherry tomatoes
- 10 each fresh mozzarella balls mini
- 20 leaves fresh basil
- 2 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic glaze
- 1/4 teaspoon salt fine
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper freshly ground
Instructions
- Rinse the cherry tomatoes and basil leaves under cold water and pat them dry thoroughly.
- Cut each mini mozzarella ball in half to make 20 even pieces.
- In a small bowl, mix the olive oil, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
- Lightly toss the mozzarella halves in the seasoned olive oil to coat them.
- Place one basil leaf flat on the cutting board and gently pat it dry again if needed.
- Thread one cherry tomato onto a toothpick.
- Add one basil leaf to the toothpick, folding it in half if it is large.
- Add one mozzarella half to the toothpick to finish the skewer.
- Repeat threading ingredients until all 20 toothpick appetizers are assembled.
- Arrange the toothpick appetizers neatly on a serving platter.
- Drizzle the balsamic glaze lightly over the assembled appetizers.
- Let the platter rest for 10 minutes at room temperature to allow flavors to meld before serving.
Notes
For best results, choose firm, sweet cherry tomatoes and fresh, unwilted basil leaves, and keep the mozzarella well chilled until just before assembling so it holds its shape on the toothpicks. If preparing ahead, you can assemble the skewers a few hours in advance, keep them covered in the fridge, and wait to drizzle the balsamic glaze until just before serving so they stay bright and fresh-looking. Taste the seasoned oil before tossing the mozzarella and adjust salt and pepper to your preference, remembering that the balsamic glaze will add both sweetness and tang.
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