Caprese Bites

1 pound cherry tomatoes

8 oz. fresh mozzarella balls, “ciliegine” or “bocancini” size

1 large bunch fresh basil

Toothpicks

Extra-virgin olive oil, for serving

Balsamic vinegar or glaze, for serving

1. Start by preparing your ingredients and setting up an assembly line. Wash and dry cherry tomatoes. Remove leaves from the basil stems, and tear large leaves in half. 
2. Build the “bites” by placing one cherry tomato, followed by one basil leaf, then one mozzarella ball on each toothpick. Leave a little toothpick exposed at one end for use as a handle. Repeat until you run out of an ingredient. Refrigerate prepared bites until ready to serve.
3. Serve assembled Caprese Bites on a large platter, drizzled with olive oil and balsamic vinegar (or with olive oil and balsamic vinegar in a small bowl for dipping).