Ciliegine Caprese Skewers

I like this simple little appetizer as it's colorful and it can be made year round, and it could not be easier to put together.

Just skewer the cherry tomato, wrap a strip of basil around the Ciliegine (tiny fresh mozzarella cheese balls) and secure by skewering through the cheese.

If Ciliegine is unavailable, fresh or regular mozzarella cut into cubes may be substituted.

Simmer some Balsamic Vinegar until reduced to a syrupy consistancy, cool and serve as a flavorful dipping sauce along side.

In the summer and autumn you can use fresh basil for the strips, in winter baby spinach strips, or quickly blanched chive or scallion stems work very well, too. (A quick blanching makes them more pliable and a plunge in icy water will set the bright green color.) No need to do that with the basil or spinach.

The vibrant colors remind me of the Italian flag, and also represent the traditional Christmas colors, too.