Caprese Bites with Balsamic Drizzle

I promise that you won't find an easier appetizer or party dish than caprese bites!  Every time I make them, they always seem to disappear.

And bonus-- these are especially great if you're short on time or money!

Caprese Bites with Balsamic Drizzle

What's In It? 

Bites:
-1-2 packages cherry or grape tomatoes (I used grape this time)
-1-2 packages basil leaves (probably about 1-2 cups, not packed)
-1 package fresh mozzarella pearls

Balsamic Reduction Sauce:
-1 cup balsamic vinegar

Extras:
-toothpicks or medium skewers

How Do I Make It?
After washing tomatoes, chop each in half and place in container.  Then, wash basil and place in a second container.  Remove the pearls from their packaging and place in third container.
 

I find it easiest to do this as an assembly line.  Start with a mozzarella pearl, add about 1/2 basil leaf (more or less depending on your taste), a tomato half, and then top with another mozzarella pearl.  I would recommend laying them directly on your serving dish as you make them (I love any way that I can save time on dishes!).  Then repeat! And don't worry- it's perfectly normal to eat a few along the way :)

Once done (this should make between 75 and 100 skewers), put the dish into the fridge so they stay nice and cool.  At the same time, pour the balsamic vinegar into a small pot and bring to a boil.  Once boiling, lower to a simmer for about 10 minutes until the texture becomes more like syrup.  I'd recommend keeping an eye on it to make sure it doesn't start burning (not speaking from personal experience here or anything!).  When you're happy with the consistency, pour into a glass or ceramic bowl (just not plastic tupperware) and let cool.

Before serving, use a spoon to drizzle the balsamic reduction right over your skewers.  And the crowd will go wild!!

Enjoy!!