Bruschetta on a Stick

So here's another recipe from the wedding. I love Brushetta, and absolutely love these Bruschetta Skewers because they are so fresh tasting and if you're trying to avoid carbs...well here you go! Plus they look beautiful in any appetizer display!

Bruschetta Skewers:

1 pint cherry or grape tomatoes

8oz Fresh Mozzarella Ciliegine (these are perfect for these skewers because the balls are about the same size as the tomatoes...they're so cute!) (if you can't find these smaller balls, just cut fresh mozzarella into small cubes)

3-4 cups fresh basil leaves

6-8 cloves of garlic (chopped)

2 cups extra virgin olive oil

1/4 cup parmasean cheese

salt & pepper to taste

1/4 cup walnuts & 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts (optional, I avoid nuts when I am making pesto for guests to avoid allergy issues)

long toothpicks (these are usually in the party supply area of most super stores or you can find them at specialty party supply stores)

In a food processor or blender, combine the basil leaves, garlic and olive oil and pulse until the mixture is well blended and the basil is chopped up, this pesto is supposed to be a bit more chunky so do not blend too much. Add the rest of the ingredients and pulse again a few times. Pour pesto into a bowl and stir well with a spoon. Taste the pesto to make sure you have enough salt in it as it will be seasoning the tomatoes and mozzarella. Once your pesto is ready, alternate the tomatoes and mozzarella on the skewers. (if you like black olives, you can also add these to the skewers as they go well with this combo but since olives are salty, make sure not to put as much salt in your pesto). Once your skewers are assembled, drizzle a generous amount of pesto all over the skewers. Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve. If you have pesto left over, you can freeze it, just make sure you pack it air-tight.

How amazing is this blue ceramic display piece? It's actually a garden stool that I found that matched the bride's wedding color! I love using bigger pieces that are not conventional! Start looking around your house for inspiration next time you want to throw a party!