Strawberry Caprese Skewers

# What You Need:

→ Produce

01 - 12 large fresh strawberries, hulled and halved

02 - 24 fresh basil leaves, washed

→ Dairy

03 - 12 mini mozzarella balls (bocconcini), drained

→ Pantry

04 - 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

05 - 1 tablespoon honey

06 - 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil

07 - Flaky sea salt to taste

08 - Freshly ground black pepper to taste

→ Equipment

09 - 12 small wooden or bamboo skewers

# Step-by-Step Directions:

01 - In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine balsamic vinegar and honey. Simmer gently, stirring occasionally, for 3 to 5 minutes until slightly thickened and syrupy. Remove from heat and allow to cool completely.

02 - Thread one strawberry half onto each skewer, followed by a basil leaf, a mozzarella ball, another basil leaf, and finish with the second strawberry half.

03 - Arrange the assembled skewers on a serving platter. Drizzle evenly with olive oil and the cooled balsamic reduction.

04 - Sprinkle with flaky sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Serve immediately.

# Expert Advice:

01 -

They come together in under 20 minutes, so you can actually enjoy your guests instead of hiding in the kitchen.
The sweet-tart balsamic and creamy mozzarella create a flavor combination that makes people ask for the recipe immediately.

02 -

The balsamic reduction must cool completely before drizzling, or it will run everywhere and pool in sad puddles instead of creating those elegant little drops.
Assembly happens best just 30 minutes before serving—any longer and the strawberry juice starts bleeding into the mozzarella, turning everything muddy and sad.

03 -

Buy strawberries that smell like strawberries—if they have no aroma in the store, they won't have much flavor on your platter, so don't settle.
Tear the basil with your hands rather than cutting it with a knife, which bruises the leaves and releases bitterness you don't want.