Girls Night In, Easy Appetizers - Tomato, Mozzarella, and Basil, Two Ways!

Why is it that on the days you have something planned, the time always gets away from you? I'll have a girls night planned and will look up at the clock to find that it's 6pm and I'm going to be LATE! But of course, on the days where you have nothing planned that never happens! Whenever this happens I pull a recipe from my arsenal of easy apps so that I'm not rushing too much, and can get there and enjoy myself.


One of my favorite easy appetizers is skewered tomato, mozzarella, and basil. It's low calorie and carb-friendly for your girlfriends that are picky, and it looks gorgeous! Here are two ways to make them:

Recipe #1:

Tomato, Mozzarella, and Basil Skewers (total time, 10 minutes, feeds 4-6)

What you'll need:

1 package of cherry tomatoes

1 package of small mozzarella balls (can usually be found in the deli section with the fresh cheeses)

Balsamic glaze

Fresh basil

Skewers (10-15 wooden or plastic, there are eco- friendly ones that you can reuse as well)

The steps are so easy! After washing the tomatoes, start skewering them, and follow with a mozzarella ball and a piece of basil. Once you have finished making the skewers arrange them on a platter and drizzle with balsamic glaze. You can also season with salt and pepper if you like. Pair with a bottle of wine and you're all set- now you have time to finish your makeup!

I used balamic vinegar for these, the glaze is prettier!

Recipe #2:

Mozzarella and Basil filled Tomato Cups (total time, about 30 minutes, feeds 6-8)

What you'll need:

1 package of cherry tomatoes

String cheese (4-6 should be enough)

Balsamic glaze

Fresh basil

This version is a bit more time consuming, but looks amazing when put together! First, cut the top off the cherry tomotoes and cut just a tiny bit off the bottom to make the bottom flat so it doesn't fall over. Then scoop out the inside of the tomato to hollow it out. Put a piece of basil inside of the tomato cup so it sticks out almost like it's a leaf. Then, cut the string cheese width-wise to fit (about 1/4" should work). If the tomato cup is too small insert the mozzarella piece on it's side. After you've finished all of them, arrange on a platter and drizzle with balsamic glaze! Here's a photo of the finished tomato cups:

Substitute goat cheese for mozzarella if you want to change these up a bit!