Caprese Skewers

Not only did the Mr. receive a surprise birthday cake at work, I also threw him a surprise birthday party the following day.  We had friends and family in town so it was easy to distract him for the afternoon while the other gals and I whipped everything together. We only had 3 hours to pick up balloons, hang up decorations, and prepare all the food for the party so I served lots of quick-fix appetizers along with some goodies from the bakery and Buffalo Wild Wings (Mr. C's favorite restaurant). Over the next few days, I'll share many of the recipes for the appetizers and desserts served at the surprise party.  It was a huge hit and the stunned look on my hubby's face was priceless. Definitely a birthday he'll never forget! :)




Caprese Skewers
Source: Mel's Kitchen Cafe

1 pint cherry tomatoes, red or yellow
1 bunch basil leaves
8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese (Mine came from Zingerman's creamery)
Balsamic vinegar, for drizzling
2-3 dozen long toothpicks/skewers

Slice the cherry tomatoes in half so you end up with two half-basketball pieces. Slice the mozzarella into bite-sized chunks. Slide a piece of mozzarella onto the toothpick. Fold a basil leaf in half or thirds and nestle it up next to the mozzarella (large leaves can be cut into halves or even thirds). Slide a tomato onto the bottom of the skewer, cut side down. Move the mozzarella and basil down to meet the tomato if needed. You want the flat side of the tomato to be right at the end of the toothpick so it stands up straight. Place all the finished skewers on a paper plate or tray. Drizzle lightly with balsamic vinegar and transfer to a platter to serve.