A couple weeks ago I was sort of under the weather, which translated to burrowing into our couch in a hoodie and craving things that are normally reserved for blustery winter evenings, like butternut squash and hot cocoa. It was weird.
Not to mention that my under-the-weatherness resulted in an all-out omission of the Fourth of July in our house. We just skipped it. I think I ate soup.
Now that I’m recovered, I feel like I’m trying to catch up on summer. It seems to have rolled in in all its glory while I was curled up on the couch. I’ve been a summer recipe pinning/blog-reading fiend, and invited friends over last night for a summery dinner. We kicked things off with Watermelon and Mint Lemonade (some spiked with gin) and for the main event, a few salads, including the chickpeas that I cannot.stop.eating.
I loved the simplicity of the whole thing. Everything was done the night before (we had to work on Wednesday, after all…Frank’s alarm went off at 4am on Wednesday morning – ouch). But, these little bites of summer were so much fun that I would like to start every dinner with them. Their memory nearly overshadowed the drizzly weather that confronted me when I went to the gym this morning.
Raindrops on the swimming pool
Hot weather, good friends, late nights.
Sounds like summer to me. Just like tomatoes, basil and mozz.
__________
- 40 cherry tomatoes, cut in half (80 cherry tomatoes if using a very small variety)
- 20 fresh Italian basil leaves, torn or cut in half
- 1 ball fresh mozzarella, cut into 40 small cubes
- good quality balsamic vinegar, for serving
- *40 toothpicks
- To make the skewers, on each toothpick, skewer one half a cherry tomato, one half a leaf of Italian basil, and one cube fresh mozzarella, and finish it with another half a cherry tomato. Store in the refrigerator until ready to serve. Just before serving, drizzle with balsamic vinegar.
I make these as a summer starter too aren’t they great?! I love that you have a pretty view from your gym. It must make it a lot more pleasant.
These are a new favorite. You’re so right about the view (and it’s always nice to reward yourself with a dip in the pool after a workout).
I love these…it seems great minds think a like girlie…
http://www.thehinzadventures.com/2012/06/27/ooh-la-la-wiaw/
xoxo from Trinidad
Corey – that’s too funny! Great minds do think alike…now about that cheese platter also featured on your post above…how do I get one of THOSE? 😉
Always a fun night at the Inquiring Chef household!!! Everything was D-Lish!!! Thanks for having us! xoxo
I think caprese in any form is always welcome! You just can’t go wrong. The skewers look so fresh and I’m glad you’re feeling better!
Made a crock pot lasagna meal for guests and wanted something light but in the Italian family for an appetizer. Pinterest to the rescue! These were perfect!!! Delicious and healthy! And they didn’t fill us up. Sent all 5 guests home with some extra fresh basil cuz they all wanted to make it for their families! Thanks!!!
What a great idea Shelley – glad these fit well with your meal! (Pinterest always saves the day, doesn’t it?!)