Caprese Christmas Tree
The Caprese Christmas Tree is a festive and visually stunning appetizer that embodies the spirit of the holiday season while celebrating the freshness of Italian cuisine.
Servings: 6 servings
Equipment
- Wooden Skewers or Toothpicks
- Serving Platter
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 pint Cherry Tomatoes Look for plump, ripe cherry tomatoes in vibrant red or yellow hues.
- 8 oz Fresh Mozzarella Balls Also known as bocconcini, choose high-quality mozzarella for the best flavor.
- 1 bunch Fresh Basil Leaves Aromatic and fragrant, these provide a herbaceous note.
- 2-3 tablespoons Olive Oil Use a good quality extra virgin olive oil.
- Salt and Pepper To taste, use flaky sea salt for a gourmet touch.
- 20-25 Wooden Skewers or Toothpicks Used to assemble the tree.
- Optional Garnishes Consider adding pine nuts, balsamic glaze, or edible flowers.
Instructions
- Gather all your ingredients and tools. Ensure your cherry tomatoes and mozzarella balls are washed and dried.
- Begin with the wooden skewers or toothpicks. If using skewers, cut them down to a manageable size, ideally around 6-8 inches long.
- Start by creating the base of the tree. Take a skewer and thread a cherry tomato onto it, followed by a mozzarella ball. Alternate between the two, adding a basil leaf after every few layers.
- Continue stacking until you reach the desired height of your tree, adjusting the spacing to create a tapered effect.
- Arrange the skewers in a triangular formation on a serving platter to create a tree shape.
- Drizzle the assembled tree with extra virgin olive oil and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Garnish the base of your tree with fresh basil leaves or any additional decorative items.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve, enjoying at room temperature.
Notes
This dish is ideal for cocktail parties or gatherings where guests prefer to graze.