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Fresh Caprese Skewers with Balsamic Reduction

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A quick and easy appetizer featuring fresh mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, and basil on skewers, drizzled with a homemade balsamic reduction for a flavorful bite.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz ciliegine mozzarella balls (small, fresh mozzarella)
  • 1 pint cherry tomatoes (ripe and firm; grape tomatoes work as well)
  • About 20 fresh basil leaves (whole, not torn)
  • 1 cup (240 ml) balsamic vinegar (quality aged balsamic)
  • 1 tablespoon (15 g) honey or brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon (15 ml) extra virgin olive oil (optional, for drizzling)
  • Salt to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Wooden or bamboo skewers or toothpicks (6-inch length)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the balsamic reduction: Pour 1 cup (240 ml) of balsamic vinegar into a small saucepan. Add 1 tablespoon (15 g) of honey or brown sugar. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Let it reduce until it thickens to a syrupy consistency, about 10-15 minutes. Watch closely to avoid burning. Once thickened, remove from heat and let cool.
  2. Prep the ingredients: Rinse 1 pint (about 300 g) of cherry tomatoes and pat dry. Drain 8 oz (225 g) of ciliegine mozzarella balls and gently pat dry with paper towels. Pluck about 20 fresh basil leaves, ensuring they’re whole and unbruised.
  3. Assemble the skewers: Take a bamboo skewer or toothpick and thread one cherry tomato, one basil leaf folded in half, and one mozzarella ball. Repeat until all ingredients are used, aiming for bite-sized portions. Optionally, add a tiny pinch of salt and pepper directly on the mozzarella or tomato as you assemble.
  4. Season and drizzle: Arrange the skewers on your serving platter. Lightly drizzle extra virgin olive oil over them (about 1 tablespoon/15 ml) and season with a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper.
  5. Finish with balsamic reduction: Using a spoon or small squeeze bottle, drizzle the cooled balsamic reduction over the skewers right before serving.

Notes

Do not rush the balsamic reduction simmering process to avoid burning. Assemble skewers without balsamic reduction and refrigerate up to 4 hours if prepping ahead. Add balsamic just before serving. Use fresh, firm mozzarella and pat dry if too moist. Rinse skewers briefly to prevent splinters.

Nutrition

Keywords: Caprese skewers, balsamic reduction, appetizer, mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, basil, easy recipe, party food, fresh, quick

Find it online: https://piperplate.com/fresh-caprese-skewers-with-balsamic-reduction-easy-homemade-appetizer-recipe/