Ingredients:

  • ½ cup Quality Balsamic Vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon Honey or Maple Syrup
  • ¼ teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes
  • Pinch of Salt
  • 8 ounces Fresh Mozzarella Pearls (Bocconcini), well-drained
  • 1 pint Ripe Cherry or Grape Tomatoes
  • 1 cup Fresh Blueberries
  • 30-40 large Fresh Basil Leaves
  • 2 tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • Flaky Sea Salt & Fresh Black Pepper, To taste

Instructions:

  1. Craft the Balsamic 'Sparkler' Glaze: In a small saucepan, combine the balsamic vinegar, honey (or maple syrup), red pepper flakes, and a pinch of salt.
  2. Simmer and Reduce: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat. Immediately reduce the heat to a steady simmer.
  3. Reduce: Allow the mixture to reduce for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it coats the back of a spoon thickly (it should reduce by about half). Remove from heat and pour into a small bowl. Allow it to cool completely at room temperature.
  4. Prep and Organize: Thoroughly drain the mozzarella pearls and gently pat them dry with a paper towel. Wash the tomatoes, blueberries, and basil.
  5. Assemble the Skewers (The Flag Pattern): Begin by threading one Blueberry, followed by one Mozzarella Pearl (white).
  6. Fold Basil and Stripe: Fold a Basil Leaf in half lengthwise and thread it onto the skewer. Follow immediately with one Cherry Tomato (red).
  7. Repeat Pattern: Continue the sequence: Mozzarella, Folded Basil, Cherry Tomato, Mozzarella, Folded Basil, Cherry Tomato. Finish the skewer with a final Mozzarella Pearl.
  8. Arrange: Lay all assembled skewers onto your serving platter.
  9. Light Dressing: Just before serving, brush the skewers lightly with the extra virgin olive oil. Sprinkle generously with flaky sea salt and fresh black pepper.
  10. The Drizzle and Serve: Use a small spoon or a squeeze bottle to drizzle the cooled Balsamic Glaze over only half of each skewer. Serve immediately, or chill for up to 30 minutes.