What is a skewer appetizer? These Skewer Appetizers – an easy treat are a delightful little tidbit of several flavors, easy to make and easy to enjoy! There are so many variations – I will be sharing a Caprese Skewer that I frequently serve for afternoon tea as a savory. Its fresh taste is a nice interlude so all the richness that is frequently served with savories. But this only serves as a platform for you to change and create new skewers depending on your menu. Here is Caprese Skewer – one skewer appetizer – an easy treat.
Ingredients
- Fresh Italian Basil
- Mozzarella Balls (I use the marinated ones)
- Grape or Cherry Tomatoes
- Bamboo Skewers
- Balsamic Glaze Reduction
Assembling the Skewers
Its very simple. For the Caprese Skewers, take one of the basil leaves, fold it and insert onto the bamboo skewer. Follow this by one tomato, then a mozzarella ball, another tomato, and finally another piece of basil folded.
If you are not serving immediately, place the skewers in a container and refrigerate for up to one day. Any longer and the basil will turn dark to black.
I like to use 4 inch bamboo skewers. These can be purchased about anywhere. Grocery stores, restaurant supply stores, and even Amazon.
A comment about the basil. For the Caprese Skewer, you will want to use Italian Basil. Thai Basil is frequently available but has a sharper and peppery taste – you could use this for an Asian inspired skewer.
Prepare the Balsamic Glaze Reduction by taking 1 cup of Balsamic Vinegar and bringing it to a boil. Once it begins to boil, reduce to a simmer and cook for 10 – 15 minutes until it reaches the thickness that you desire. Don’t inhale over the pot – the vinegar fumes are pretty strong as they reduce. This reduction will keep for up to 3 months in the refrigerator.
If you won’t want to use a Balsamic reduction, you can use an Italian dressing or a Balsamic dressing. Dress your skewer directly before serving. If done too early will turn your basil black.
Serving and Variations
To serve, simply place the skewer on your serving plate and drizzle with the Balsamic Reduction….and enjoy! If serving for afternoon tea, place with other savories for your guests.
This recipe is so simple and has so many variations. Here are just a few to stimulate your imagination.
- Mint / Watermelon cubes / Feta cubes
- Italian Basil / Salami / Tomato / Mozzarella
- Italian Basil / Pepperoni / Tomato / Mozzarella / Pepperoncini…topped with marinara sauce
- Thai Basil / Cucumber / Green Pepper / Roasted Chicken….topped with soy sauce or sweet and sour sauce
Serve for a party, have a platter full. Or serve individually – great for an afternoon savory. Skewer appetizers…..an easy treat.
Caprese Skewers
Ingredients
- 12 Marinated mozzarella balls
- 24 Grape or cherry tomatoes
- 24 Fresh basil leaves
- 12 Bamboo skewers
Balsamic Glaze Reduction
- 1 cup Balsamic Vinegar
Instructions
- Assemble items for skewers
- Starting with a basil leaf, fold leaf and insert onto skewer
- Place remaining items in sequence – basil, tomato, mozzarella, tomato, basil
- Drizzle with balsamic glaze / reduction
Balsamic Glaze / Reduction
- Take 1 cup of Balsamic vinegar and place in a saucepan.
- Bring the vinegar to a boil and reduce heat to a simmer for 10 -1 5 minutes or until reduction reaches your desired thickness.
2 Comments
Barbara
Very refreshing for a hot summer day. Would be nice to jazz up a diet….instead if just a salad.
Delicious.
Beth
Hi Barbara – Yes these are very refreshing. The watermelon and feta ones are great as well. Thanks for your comment and glad that you enjoyed the post.