Sunday 11 May 2008

Mozzarella, Tomato and Basil - A Taste of Summer

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There are a few things that really taste of summer to me and fresh buffalo mozzarella, tomatoes and basil salad is one of those. Usually I just tear up a large ball of fresh mozzarella, slice vine ripened tomatoes and arrange it all on a plate, topped with the basil.

Last night though, we had some friends round for a BBQ at ours and I was looking for something quick to make and that people could easily start nibbling on while waiting for their stuff off the grill (it had to be quick as it was a rather spontaneous decision to have a BBQ, as I only made up my mind to have one at five in the afternoon).

So I decided to make 'mini salad portions on a stick' that were easily made, even easier to eat and tasted just as much of summer. They are great for bringing to parties, I promise they'll disappear quickly.

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Mozzarella, Tomato and Basil Appertisers

mini Mozzarella balls
vine ripened cherry tomatoes
fresh basil leaves
freshly ground black pepper
balsamic vinegar syrup
extra virgin olive oil (optional)

Thread one mini Mozzarella ball, one basil leaf and one cherry tomato (cut them in half if they're on the big side) onto a cocktail stick.

Repeat until you have used all of them up.

Arrange on a plate and grind some black pepper over the lot.

Drizzle with balsamic vinegar syrup and extra virgin olive oil (most of the time I don't use any oil).

Enjoy!

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13 comments:

Jan said...

My favourite things in the world to eat! Tomatoes and Mozerella - they look good Sylvie. Just the thing for the BBQ in this weather we are having.

Silvia - Magnolia Wedding Planner said...

Hi Sylvie! it's my first time visiting your blog and I find it really lovely and so pleasant to read!
I'll follow you glady :-D
Silvia
:-P love mozzarella in every way!

Peter M said...

What a lovely way to get started on a bottle of wine!

Raquel said...

Wow, Sylvie, those are so cute! I will definitely make those, what a neat idea!

Jules said...

These are a fab idea :)

test it comm said...

Those look really good! The vibrant red, green and white are nice. The balsamic syrup would be amazing with the cheese, tomato and basil.

Marie Rayner said...

Perfect looking appetizer. They remind of of an Italian flag! I Love the colours and I adore Balsamic syrup!

Abitofafoodie said...

Ooh - summer in a mouthful! What lovely nibbles for your guests. Those flavours are so good together.

Sylvie said...

Jan, I hope that this year the weather will last and we're not in for another non-summer.

Silvia, thanks for stopping by and taking the time to leave a comment.

Peter, I was on G&Ts but a lovely big glass of dry red would be just the ticket!

Raquel, Jules and Antonia, if I'm completely honest I got the idea at a friends house and just added the basil and balsamic syrup.

Kevin and Marie, the syrup goes so well. I've fallen in love with the stuff since I first bought it.

Abby said...

I LOVE how you presented these. A fancy deconstructed salad!

Katerina said...

Great idea, and great pictures. I love caprese salad although I am a stickler for really good mozzarella.

La Bella Cooks said...

Those look fantastic! So vibrant against the white plate and I think the addition of the balsamic would add so much to the mozzarella. Plus they are too cute but perfect for a summertime party.

Anonymous said...

I like how you lined them up next to eachother so it looks like the basil is forming a green line. Very petty!