Tuesday, November 9, 2010

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.

30 comments:

  1. Love these!! Saving for holiday parties as the colors are PERFECT! And I agree about doing planning and prep work ahead of time...who wants to be too tired and stressed out to enjoy their own party? I had my POM dinner party last night, but did 90% of the prep work over the weekend, so I was able to pull it all together in a couple of hours before dinner...and I could enjoy sangria with my guests instead of chopping in the kitchen ;)!

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  2. Those look amazing!!! I'm saving this recipe!!

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  3. I am definitely doing these next month.

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  4. nice idea!!! as they said above they are perfect for a party! (^_^)

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  5. I've been obsessed lately about creating little one-two bite appetizers and this definitely fits the bill. I love the thought of nibbling on delicious food and drinking wine all night. What fun. :-)

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  6. What a PERFECT appetizer! These would be great for a dinner party!

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  7. We served something similar at our wedding, perfect party food!

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  8. They are beautiful, plus all my favorite flavors in one bite! Easy too. Anytime you need extra guests, I'm available!
    -Gina-

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  9. These are tasty small-bites that are not only packed with delicious flavors, but look beautiful too. I could eat way more than my share of these :)

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  10. Love the addition of the salami to the basic bite. Feels summery for me, which is isn't anymore up in NH!

    Jason

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  11. I have a neighbor who always brings these, but she has never added the salami...I love it!! I've printed this one to add to our "must try" list! Thank you so much for your timely post.

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  12. these look delightful! well done and great post :)

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  13. I absolutely love this! Recently we moved into a rental house and I finally have a large enough space to entertain. These are going on my appetizer list. Thanks!

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  14. I' am loving these!! What a great idea. I will make these for sure this year.

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  15. Great idea, might use this for a party sometime!

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  16. Simple and deliciioso, takes me right back to Italy

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  17. Your caprese bites are perfect for a get-together or any time. I like the addition of the salami.

    Lisa, you're on a Top 9 roll--great job and congrats!

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  18. Great idea. I'd like mine with a martini : )

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  19. Those look amazing! I'm trying them tonight!

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  20. Perfect party food! I love the salami addition to the caprese flavors - it totally makes sense.

    BTW - congrats on Top 9!

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  21. Nice app! You have been posting some wonderful recipes to enjoy with friends or family for the holidays. I love MeEvoy olive oil:). I'm getting in the mood to entertain, thanks for inspiring me:)

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  22. Great idea, Lisa! I love the salami wrapping up the caprese tastes in one cute little bundle and the easy preparation :) Congrats on the Top 9!

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  23. Sometimes simple foods are the best huh? The photos are amazing Lisa. Really beautiful presentation!

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  24. We are on the same wavelength! YAY for Caprese!
    LL

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  25. This is fantastic! I make a similar version but without meat, but this looks even better!!

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