Tuesday, August 14, 2012

Marinated Mozzarella Balls



Where has the time gone? It has been one heck of a week. I can’t believe my last post was a week ago. Over the weekend I prepared a quick and simple appetizer that I am so excited to share with all of you.

Last week I was driving to one of my offices in the morning, listening to talk radio and getting caught up on the latest headlines when my mind began to drift. With peak commute traffic in full swing, my eyes were on the road along with practicing defensive driving. During commute hour in the Bay Area, the majority of the drivers are what my hubby and I call – “the professionals”. These are the folks who commute daily and are on a mission to get from point A to point B without delay. Typically the professionals drive safely but with a distinct purpose.


So with my mind drifting during my morning commute, it went to food. Where else would a foodies mind go? Smile. With our traditional Friday night wine and appetizer night approaching, I wanted to make something new and fun yet easy and flavorful. I wanted to lighten up our assortment of appetizers. The idea of marinating little mozzarella balls just popped in my head.


Next on the list was to create a combination of flavors along with adding some interest. Recently I had purchased pink peppercorns which are light as air yet have a delicate fruitiness quality. These spicy, dried berries have a deeper and more balanced pepperiness than the traditional black pepper. No need to use a spice grinder, simply crush with your fingers or use a mortar and pestle.

The pink peppercorns were the inspiration and added that pop of color. I am a bit obsessed with unique salts, so I thought I would continue with the color theme and add Hawaiian Red Salt. To brighten the flavors a bit of Thai basil and lemon zest completed the dish along with some wonderful extra virgin olive oil.

During our Friday night appetizer night, we had some friends over and this appetizer was among the first to be devoured. Enjoy!


Marinated Mozzarella Balls

Mozzarella Balls, rinsed and dried
Olive oil
Zest of one medium lemon
Basil, chiffonade (I used Thai basil)
Hawaiian Red Salt
Pink Peppercorns

This is a very loose recipe. If you are serving multiple guests, calculate the number of mozzarella balls to be an average of 6 to 8 per person.

Rinse and dry the mozzarella balls. Place into a large bowl. Drizzle a generous amount of olive oil over the mozzarella balls. Sprinkle the lemon zest and basil over the mozzarella balls. Next add the Hawaiian red salt and crush using your fingertips the desired amount of pink peppercorns. Stir all together and let sit for at least 15 minutes in the refrigerator. Prior to serving, stir mixture and plate onto your favorite bowl or platter.

19 comments:

  1. I can see why this appetizer disappeared in a flash - it sounds and looks absolutely delicious! :)

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  2. Hi, I think this is a great dish to serve for a bunch of friends, with wine in hand of course! And, I think of food ALL THE TIME!

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  3. Yes, where did the last week go? I would have happily helped devour these. I've been looking for some pink peppercorns, maybe next time I'm out that way, they don't have them out here for some reason. Yay, it's Wed., so that means it's almost the weekend again.
    -Gina-

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  4. Really beautiful presentation, Lisa. The colors just pop! And I love the twist on a typical marinade of just basil, olive oil, and sea salt. You're making me hungry for some mozzarella now.

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  5. The week (weeks) sure do go fast! I'm sure a lot like your appetizer;-)
    Love the flavors in your marinated mozzarella balls, they sure are cute!

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  6. Lisa...these are GORGEOUS!! I love fresh mozzarella, and this takes it to the next level. Looks like I might be coming your way next March...hopefullly we can tag up!

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    1. Thank you for the nice words! It would be great to meet you in person - would love to connect!

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  7. I was just asking myself the same thing. Where did this week go?
    I've seen one the red salt but have never used it, it's so pretty with the clean white cheese.
    Lovely way to spend a Friday night

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  8. Delightfully appetizing: just to get it right - I read these to be small bocconcinis?

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  9. Gorgeous styling, Lisa! I love how the colours pop! Speaking of pop, I want to do just that - pop these yummy little mozzarella balls in my mouth! And I like it with lots of pink peppercorns.

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  10. Amazing and very interesting! I love mozzarella balls but this didn't cross my mind. Look so yummy!
    Thank you for sharing and have a wonderful Friday!!!

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  11. What a heavenly combination of flavours. Your photographs are gorgeous too. Thanks for sharing and have a great weekend:)

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  12. That's my problem, too; time just seems to fly by. I love that you had the chance to make these, though. So simple but they sound great. I'd make a meal out of these mozzarella balls. :)

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  13. Hmm Hawaian red salt sounds interesting! I've used Mozzarella ball this year for the first time and my family loved it. Love that you added lemon zest, that's a great idea! Gorgeous plating, Lisa!

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  14. Time flies so fast, doesn't it? Sometimes, it happens to me too. This seems like a good idea to dress up mozzarella! Looks very good!

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  15. I love pink peppercorns, but I'm not really sure what to use it in besides steak sauce. These marinated mozzarella balls look so yummy.

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  16. Oh my this looks so delicious and beautiful! I've never had Hawaiian red salt but what a gorgeous pop of color. Thank you for sharing!

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  17. I wish I had some now...delicious! The pink peppercorns really do add a lovely pop of color :)

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