Conflicted on what to make for a potluck park picnic, I went for simplicity. The challenges of cooking for potlucks is having to pick a dish that is portable, can feed many, and be tasty at room temperature. After much thought, I decided to make caprese skewers! I saw a photo of these online and knew it would be the perfect appetizer/salad to a park picnic, particularly because skewers make the perfect finger food. Also, with so much food that must all be tasted, I appreciate smaller portioned food. And look at how cute they are!
Caprese Skewers
Adapted from Iowa Girl Eats
Serves ~26
Ingredients
1 cup balsamic vinegar
toothpicks
1 8-oz tub of fresh mini mozzarella balls aka ciliegine (~26 balls)
handful fresh basil leaves, cut in half or fold in half if large
~26 cherry tomatoes
salt and pepperInstructions
Bring balsamic vinegar up to a boil in a saucepan, then lower heat to medium and simmer until it's the consistency of very thin maple syrup, ~10 minutes. Pour into a bowl and let cool.
Thread a mini mozzarella cheese ball, basil leaf, and a tomato onto a toothpick.
Repeat with remaining ingredients.
Sprinkle with salt and pepper, then drizzle cooled balsamic reduction on top.
Serve chilled (ok for up to 2 hours in the fridge) or at room temperature
