What's to Eat?? Caprese Bites

Remember my other post(here) about how I was going to make juicy grape tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, fresh and awesome smelling basil, drizzled with balsamic, two ways? The first way was a pasta route, heartier, fuller, but this way is a caprese bite.  Perfect for when guests come over  or just when you want a quick and refreshing snack! The best part is that it is done in THREE, yes, 3 easy steps! And only has 5 ingredients! (HINT HINT Boys, sure way to impress your date without having to do that much work!)

What you will need::

• Grape tomatoes, 1/2 cup cut in half or quartered
• 1/2-1/3 cup of basil, cut in half or thirds
• 1/2-1 cup mozzarella balls
• Balsamic glaze to drizzle 
• Toothpicks for decor and fun!

Start off by cutting your washing your basil and grape tomatoes and then cut your tomatoes.

Drizzle on some balsamic glaze over your mozzarella to your desired liking.

And now you can finish it off however you like! I like to start off first with the mozzarella, than adding a basil piece, and finishing it off with the grape tomato, with the cut side facing down(putting it on the toothpick last) so it stabilizes your bite. 

Is your mouth salivating right now? I'm about to devour all of this myself! Sorry guests!
Check back Monday for a floral and fun Mani Monday.
Enjoy the rest of your beautiful weekend!
ps, don't forget to =)

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What's to Eat?? Caprese Pasta Salad

Juicy grape tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, fresh and perfect aroma of basil, drizzled with some salt, pepper, and balsamic.  Whose mouth is salivating right now?! Mine sure is! This recipe is the perfect amount of straight up delicious and super easy to make!  You can serve it as a side dish, main dish, appetizer, or even just a mid-afternoon snack! Adding some pasta to it makes for a nice and hearty overall meal that will leave you perfectly full and satisfied! 

I am going to show you how to use most of the same ingredients, but made two different ways.  Today's will be the more heartier and fuller of the two, caprese pasta salad. Both are stupid simple to make and anyone can do it! Enjoy!

What you will need:: (for pasta)

• 2 cups dried pasta ( I used shells), cooked as directed on package
• 1 cup grape tomatoes, quartered or halved
• 1 cup fresh mozzarella(1 ball), cubed
• 1 cup fresh basil, sliced into thin ribbons
• kosher salt and black pepper, to taste

Cook your desired pasta according to package directions.  Drain and rinse with cold water.  

Now add the cold pasta to a bowl along with your chopped tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil ribbons.  

Now you can add your dressing; I made a Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing, listed below!

What you will need:: (balsamic vinaigrette dressing)

• 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
• 1-2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 clove fresh garlic, diced really thin

In a small bowl, mix your super tiny and diced garlic and whisk in your balsamic.  Continue to whisk slowly while adding your  tablespoons of olive oil in a steady stream.  

You can now drizzle your balsamic vinaigrette dressing onto your caprese pasta mix along with seasoning your desired taste of salt and pepper.  Mix well and enjoy!

Check back later this week to find out how to make another caprese item, and check back tomorrow for Mani Monday!

Bon appetit!

ps, don't forget to =)

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