Appetizers / Soups / Salads

Mozzarella, Cherry tomato, and Basil Skewers is for Lunch.

Mozzarella, Cherry tomato, and Basil Skewers takes several minutes to prepare.

Mozzarella, Cherry tomato, and Basil Skewers takes several minutes to cook.

Mozzarella, Cherry tomato, and Basil Skewers makes 4 servings.

The ingredients for Mozzarella, Cherry tomato, and Basil Skewers are:

1 clove garlic, smashed
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (more or less to taste, just be careful!!)
12 Bocconcini (small fresh mozzarella balls), about 8 oz
1 pint (2 cups) cherry tomatoes
12 basil leaves, preferably large

12 (6 inch) wooden skewers

Here is how you make Mozzarella, Cherry tomato, and Basil Skewers:

Combine the garlic, salt, pepper flakes, and olive oil in a medium saucepan (or glass bowl if you are microwaving). Cook on medium-low until the garlic is golden. If microwaving, microwave on high until the garlic is golden (about 2 min in my microwave). Be careful not to burn. Cool to room temperature. Add the mozzarella and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, anywhere up to 24 hours. Put a cherry tomato onto a skewer, wrap a bocconcini in a basil leaf and add to the skewer, making sure the skewer passes through the basil leaf in two places so it remains around the cheese. Then finish with another cherry tomato. Repeat with the remaining cheese and tomatoes, dividing them up into 3 or 4 portions (the nutritional info is calculated for 4 portions, which is 3 mozzarella balls per person) , save the remaining oil for a dipping sauce and serve with a small bowl of kosher salt. To modify this you could substitute partial skim milk mozzarella instead of whole milk. I haven't been able to find fresh mozzarella that isn't made from whole milk, so that is what I have used in the calculator. You COULD try this with regular mozzarella, but you will not get the full wonderful effect. If you've never eaten fresh mozzarella you're missing out!For an even lower fat version, substitute balsamic vinegar with a touch of oil for the oil mixture. Do not marinate as long, as balsamic vinegar is very strong. Keep in mind that balsamic contains sugar, so use sparingly. You could also use your favorite low fat italian dressing. I just prefer the oil mixture. Number of Servings: 4Recipe submitted by SparkPeople user SMLINGRL.

The nutritional information for Mozzarella, Cherry tomato, and Basil Skewers is:

• Servings Per Recipe: 4
• Amount Per Serving
• Calories: 277.8

• Total Fat: 23.5 g
• Cholesterol: 44.8 mg
• Sodium: 507.8 mg
• Total Carbs: 5.1 g
• Dietary Fiber: 0.9 g
• Protein: 13.3 g

The dietary needs meet for Mozzarella, Cherry tomato, and Basil Skewers is Vegetarian