Italian Caprese Appetizers

If you’re ever in need of a simple, but elegant appetizer for a party or shower, look no further than these delicious Italian Caprese Appetizers.  Basil, tomatoes, and fresh mozarella are skewered and dipped into a delicious mixture of balsalmic vinegar and olive oil flavored with garlic and rosemary.  It is a great appetizer for a dinner party, or you can even do what my husband and  did last night– and have them as a light dinner with some ciabatta bread (which we also dip in the oil/vinegar mixture)  Either way, this takes only moments to prepare and is a frangrant and delicious dish.

INGREDIENTS:
Fresh Basil leaves
Real, fresh mozarella (Trader Joe’s $3.49)
Cherry Tomatoes

Dipping Sauce:
1/4 C olive oil
4 cloves of garlic, minced
1 sprig fresh rosemary, minced
1/4 C balsalmic vinegar

DIRECTIONS:
Make your olive oil first.  Combine olive oil, rosemary, and garlic.  The longer this sits the better it gets.  I usuall make it in the morning and let it sit all day.  Pour in balsalmic vinegar right before serving.

Skewer on each toothpick a piece of mozarella, one basil leaf, and one cherry tomato.

Dip in sauce, enjoy with bread.