Caprese Skewers

Ingredients:

• 3 oz. fresh mozzarella cheese, cut into 24 (1/4 to 1/2-inch) cubes
• 1 1/2 tsp extra-virgin olive oil
• 1/4 tsp dried basil or 3-4 fresh basil leaved, cut chiffonade
• pinch crushed red pepper flakes
• salt
• freshly ground pepper to taste
• 24 grape tomatoes, cut in half, crosswise

 Makes 8 (3-piece) skewers

Toss mozzarella with oil, basil and a pinch or two of red pepper flakes in a medim bowl. Season to tste with salt and pepper. Add tomatoes and stir gently to coat. Place 2 tomato halves and 1 mozzarella cube on each of 24 toothpicks, with cheese in between tomatoes. Serve at room temperature.

 

WW POINTS VALUE: 1pt. per 3-piece serving

 

Note: This recipe appears in the South Beach Diet Parties and Holidays Cookbook. I learned how to makes homemade mozzarella in 30 minutes and I didn't want my cheese to go to waste. It was interesting to see how mozzarella was made but I don't think I'll be making homemade mozzareall anytime soon. Fresh mozzarella cheese, tomatoes and basil make a traditional Italian salad and this recipe is the perfect pasrty appetizer or light snack. These skewers are like having a taste of Italy in your mouth. I do recommend having a paper towel on hand because it will get messy when assembling the skewers.