Originally published on December 20, 2017
The holidays can sure be stressful. So I guess it’s a good thing that we have all the wonderful food surrounding us to help us forget about those long lines, the many Christmas presents we still have to buy, and all the other stuff that goes with the holidays. But just sit back, relax for a second, and most importantly – breathe!! We will all get through it, and in the end we’ll be a little happier for it, and a little bit fuller.
This Caprese Salad Wreath was made for a holiday party that we threw for my husband’s work. But don’t worry. Even if throwing a party is adding to your stress, this delicious appetizer will not. It’s dead simple to make and so pretty that if you’re lacking a centrepiece, it can fill in there for you too. But there are only five more days until Christmas, so let’s get going.
Ingredients:
- About 3 cups of cherry tomatoes
- About 2 cups of bocconcini
- 1 tablespoon dried Italian seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup basil leaves, rolled and sliced
- 1 1/2 cups balsamic vinegar
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- About 50 short skewers
Directions:
1. Combine the balsamic vinegar and the brown sugar in a medium-sized saucepan. Heat over low and heat just until the sugar has dissolved. Then turn heat to medium so the mixture comes to a light simmer. Simmer for 10 – 15 minutes, until the mixture has reached a syrup consistency and has reduced by about 1/3. Set aside and allow to cool.
2. Combine the tomatoes, bocconcini, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and olive oil in a large bowl. Toss gently with your hands so everything is covered with a bit of olive oil and some seasoning. One by one, push one tomato onto a skewer and put it to the end. Add one ball of bocconcini, then another tomato. Repeat until all remaining skewers have tomatoes and bocconcini on them.
3. Place the balsamic vinegar reduction in a small ramekin and place in the centre of a large platter. Arrange the skewers around them in a large circle (to resemble a wreath). Sprinkle the chopped and sliced basil leaves around the skewers.