Description
A bite-sized appetizer combining classic Italian flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
- 24 cherry tomatoes, halved
- 24 mini mozzarella pearls (bocconcini)
- 24 fresh basil leaves
- 24 short wooden skewers or toothpicks
- 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar (120 ml)
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup (30 ml)
- Pinch of sea salt
- Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
- Extra-virgin olive oil, optional drizzle
Instructions
- Start by making the balsamic glaze that will add a sweet, tangy finish to your bites. In a small saucepan, combine the balsamic vinegar with honey or maple syrup. Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to let it simmer, stirring occasionally. You want to cook this mixture until it has reduced by half and has thickened enough to coat the back of a spoon; this should take about 6 to 8 minutes. Once it reaches the desired consistency, stir in a pinch of sea salt, remove it from the heat, and allow it to cool while you proceed with assembling the bites.
- To make assembly a breeze, lay out the wooden skewers or toothpicks flat on a clean, dry surface. The key here is to ensure uniform size for each bite, so repeat the following steps with precision. First, take one halved cherry tomato and place it cut side down onto the tip of each skewer. This provides a solid foundation for the next layer. Then, gently press a mozzarella pearl onto each tomato so that it fits snugly against its interior. The tomato and mozzarella combination is essential for flavor balance.
- Next comes the final touch: wrapping a fresh basil leaf around the mozzarella and tomato. Fold the basil leaf neatly, then tuck the stem under the skewer for a polished presentation. As you finish each skewer, set the completed bites on a serving platter. Once assembled, drizzle the cooled balsamic glaze over each bite for a beautiful glaze effect and enhance the flavors. If desired, add a light drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil and freshly cracked black pepper for that extra depth of flavor. Let these delicious bites rest for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld before serving.
Notes
These bites are best enjoyed fresh but can be prepared a few hours in advance for convenience. Adjust the vinegar and pepper amounts based on your taste preferences; feel free to experiment!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
Nutrition
- Calories: 50 kcal
- Sodium: 90 mg
- Protein: 3 g