Caprese Bites

One of my favorite ways to entertain is to host a small cocktail party. Many think that a cocktail party must serve actual cocktails but that is not always the case. I prefer to serve wine and appetizers. It can be set up either formal or informal. With the most used room in the house being the kitchen, often my guests end up conjugating around the breakfast bar area and the conversation begins to blossom.

Other times, I will move the get together to our family room where we have two couches, chairs and a large ottoman that surround a large square coffee table. This coffee table houses the appetizers; small individual plates for my guests and of course the wine. Everyone has access to the nibbles and wine and the conversation is plentiful.

Friday night I had invited a couple dear friends over to enjoy good wine, food and conversation. It was a long work week and I was looking forward to spending time with everyone and just relaxing. The key to successful entertaining is the planning and preparation you do ahead of time. Thursday evening I prepped the majority of the appetizers and all that was left to do was simple assembly and presentation.

I created a simple appetizer that was a bite-sized spin on a caprese salad. It was full of flavor, satisfying and easy to eat. The addition of the fleur de sel and rich olive oil magically brought all the components together.

Caprese Bites

Makes 24

12 Cherry tomatoes (cut in half)
12 Boconccini (cut in half)
12 Large basil leaves (cut lengthwise)
12 Salami, deli slice (cut in half)
Olive oil
Fleur de sel
Toothpicks

To assemble, place half of a tomato and half of a boconccini together. Wrap with a half of basil leaf and then half of a piece of salami. Secure with a toothpick. Lay on a platter and drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with fleur de sel.