Caprese Christmas Wreath #christmas

I had a lot of ideas in my head of projects I wanted to try out this holiday season, and this is the one that has won out as my favorite so far. My Chocolate Covered Marshmallow Pumpkins were so incredibly popular, that I knew I needed to come up with some new ideas for Christmas…and probably for every season afterward! (Can you say, Chocolate Covered Peeps??? YUM!!!)

You all know how much we love Caprese over here! I mean, what’s not to love? Fresh and juicy grape tomatoes, creamy fresh mozzarella, and fresh basil leaves are dressed with olive oil and Italian herbs! A combination PERFECT for a Caprese Christmas Wreath!

Caprese Christmas Wreath

Caprese Christmas Wreath is a festive and healthy appetizer for your Christmas table!

Ingredients

• Balsamic Glaze (or use 3/4 cup store bought):
• 1 1/2 cups (375ml) balsamic vinegar
• 3 tablespoons brown sugar
• Salad:
• 600 grams | 12 ounces grape tomatoes (or cherry tomatoes)
• 300 grams | 10 ounces fresh cherry-sized bocconcini (mozzarella) balls
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3-4 teaspoons dried Italian herbs
• Handful fresh basil leaves , shredded (to garnish)
• flaked sea salt and ground pepper , to season

Instructions

For The Balsamic Glaze:

1. Combine the vinegar and sugar in a small saucepan. Cook while stirring over low heat for 4-5 minutes, or until sugar has dissolved. Increase heat to medium setting and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and allow to simmer for 8-10 minutes, or until reduced by one-third and thickened like syrup.
2. For The Salad:
3. Wash and dry the tomatoes. Arrange them in a circle on a large serving plate or round platter. Drain the mozzarella balls and arrange between the tomatoes.
4. Drizzle with olive oil and season with the Italian herbs, salt and pepper. Toss the tomatoes and bocconcini through the oil with a spoon.
5. Garnish with the fresh shredded basil.

Serve:

• To serve, place the bowl of balsamic glaze in the centre of the wreath. Arrange toothpicks around and underneath the tomato and cheese balls, with the sharp ends toward the middle of the plate.