Tomato and Mozzarella Skewers

Tomato and mozzarella skewers are a fresh, colorful, and easy-to-prepare appetizer. Ideal for an aperitif or a buffet, they represent the classic Italian knowledge made of simplicity and genuine flavors. Moreover, they can be an informal reinterpretation of the traditional caprese. Here is how to prepare them:

Ingredients

• Cherry tomatoes, as desired
• Mini mozzarella balls (preferably buffalo mozzarella), equal to the number of cherry tomatoes
• Fresh basil leaves, as desired
• Extra virgin olive oil
• Salt
• Pepper (optional)
• Toothpicks or long skewers

Preparation

1. Wash the cherry tomatoes thoroughly and dry them gently.
2. Drain the mini mozzarella balls from their preservation water and blot them with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
3. Start composing the skewers by alternating on the base of the toothpick or skewer a tomato, a basil leaf (you can insert only a part of it, if it’s too large) and a mini mozzarella ball. Continue in this manner until the skewer is complete, leaving space at the end for convenient handling.
4. Arrange the skewers on a serving plate. If you’re using toothpicks, you could make small groups of three or four for each toothpick.
5. Dress the skewers with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, a light sprinkle of salt, and if desired, a pinch of freshly ground pepper.
6. Serve immediately or store in the refrigerator until serving time.

For an authentic Italian touch, you might prepare an emulsion with extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper, and drizzle this sauce over the skewers before serving. This light vinaigrette will add a sour and sweet note typical of Italian cuisine.

Enjoy your meal!