Caprese Skewers with Balsamic Reduction

Between GFC and my email subscribers I've hit well over 100 followers. When I started this blog, I completely underestimated the sense of community that can exist in the cyber world. I've met so many nice people, and I'm looking forward to meet more of you. Thanks to all :) This has definitely been a crazy year and I'm so glad that I made the decision to start this blog and document it. All these recipes are connected to memories with family and friends which is nice to reflect back on from time to time. 

I made these skewers for a family party this weekend. The recipe was all over pinterest so I thought that I would try it out. It is pretty basic and can be made ahead of time which is helpful when things are busy. The balsamic reduction which I drizzled on top is a tad tricky, but I think I have the technique down. I didn't get a picture of the balsamic reduction but it has the same look and texture as maple syrup. I drizzled it over the entire platter right before I served it.

Ingredients:

• Tooth picks
• Cherry tomatoes
• Basil
• Mozzarella Balls (Try to get the tiny ones)
• 1 cup balsamic vinegar
• 2 tsp brown sugar

Recipe:

• Cut basil into small pieces
• Place tomato, basil pieces, and mozzarella balls on a toothpick. I decided to put 2 tomatoes, 2 pieces of basil, and one mozzarella ball on a toothpick, but you can choose to put on whatever you like based on your taste. Repeat until you have the desired amount of skewers.
• Place balsamic vinegar and brown sugar in a sauce pan over medium-high heat.
• Bring to a boil.
• Simmer for about 3-4 minutes. 
• Take sauce pan off the heat (it will continue to thicken after you take it off the heat).
• Wait for balsamic reduction to cool. 
• Once you are ready to serve, drizzle the balsamic reduction over skewers. 

This website gives you a good visual of what the balsamic reduction should look like throughout the process: Cook Think