Caprese Appetizer

This is a great easy appetizer that can be served any time of year. If you are pressed for time, you can buy already-made pesto sauce.  Makes approximately 40 appetizers.

Ingredients:
Pesto sauce
2 cups gently packed fresh basil leaves
2 large garlic cloves, peeled
1/2 cup grated Parmisan cheese
1/3 cup walnuts
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
2/3 cup  good quality extra virgin olive oil

20 cherry tomatoes, rinsed and patted dry, cut in half
20 mini mozzarella balls, cut in half (can buy at Whole Foods)
Italian bread, wide loaf
3-4 tablespoons olive oil for brushing

Balsamic Vinaigrette
4 Tablespoons olive oil
1 Tablesppon balsamic vinegar
​1/4 teaspoon salt

40 skewers (4 inches)

If you are really pressed for time, you do not necessarily have to toast the bread. Although...toasting the bread gives the appetizer a nice little crunch.

If you have more time, you can make a balsamic reduction instead of a vinaigrette. This way there will be no separation of liquids. A reduction is also packed with flavor. Use sparingly though because the pesto is also flavor-packed.

​Directions:
Pesto Sauce
Drop garlic into the feed tube of a food processor while running. Run until garlic is minced. Add walnuts to the bowl and pulse until coarsely chopped, about 5 times. Add the basil leaves, salt, and pepper and process for about 10 seconds then scrape down sides. Process for another 10 seconds. With the processor running, slowly pour the olive oil through the feed tube and process until the pesto is thoroughly blended. Scrape the pesto sauce into a small bowl and mix in the Parmesan cheese.

Crouton
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Cut the Italian bread into small squares about 1 1/4 x 1 1/4 inches (not too thick). Brush both sides with some olive oil and place on a baking sheet. Bake until underside of bread is golden brown (approx. 4 minutes). Turn over and bake an additional 2-3 minutes. Keep checking so as not to burn. You only want to toast each side to a golden brown. It is ok if the middle is still a little soft. It will be easier for the skewer to penetrate.

Vinaigrette
Mix olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and salt until emulsified.

Skewer
Spread a little pesto sauce onto each crouton. Then press the end of the cherry tomato through the skewer. Then press the mozzarella through. Then gently press into the crouton. If the crouton is over baked, it will be more difficult (but not impossible) to skewer the bread.
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Set each skewer upright and drizzle with the balsamic vinaigrette, Ready to serve!
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