Mini Caprese Salad

Dear Readers - I'm going to go ahead and make it official: holiday season 2011 is upon us in full force. Unfortunately we haven't had the Christmasy weather yet to match the season - but, in addition to all the pre-Christmas sales, holiday drinks at your favourite coffeeshops, and Christmas movies constantly on TV, the holiday parties are here now too!

Now, if you happen to get invited to a holiday party on a week night, when you know, for example, that you have to work and you won't be home till at least 6, but the party starts at 7, do not despair. I have the perfect holiday appetizer for you! It's red, white and green - so pretty and festive - and will take you no longer than 10 minutes to prepare! It's also easy to eat with one hand while holding your glass of pinot grigio in the other. Oh, and it tastes pretty darn good too - but I've already convinced you that this is what you'll be making to take to your next holiday festivities, haven't I?

Now, I know this recipe is very similar to the first course of the Italian feast Jo and I made back in October (see here), but you really must appreciate the fact that this is a mini version. Without the key use of a toothpick, you really would not be able to eat this appetizer and mingle at the same time.

THE RECIPE:

32 mini mini bocconcini cheese (apparently bocconcini comes in many different sizes - pearls will be too small, just one "mini" will be too big)
Olive oil and balsamic vinegar, to taste
16 cherry tomatoes, halved
fresh basil, washed and cut
toothpicks (with a fun fringe on the end, if you dare)

1. Toss the bocconcini in olive oil and balsamic vinegar and leave to marinate while you prepare the rest of the ingredients.
2. Cut your tomatoes in half
3. Assemble on toothpick: slide tomato half on first, then fold basil leaf and slide on next, and finish with the mini mini ball of bocconcini.
4. Arrange on pretty platter and wow your host/hostess with your culinary and artistic ability!

And yes, in case you were wondering I did make it to that holiday party on time after work the other day - the bigger struggle has been finding the time to share this holiday gem with you all!

Happy Holiday-Party-Eating!

Caroline