RECIPE

Sunny weekend days call for barbecues and get-togethers. Nothing says dinner party like these delicious skewers. They are simple, fresh and packed with flavor. All the ingredients play a vital role in creating a delicious healthy recipe.

The biggest nutrition star in this recipe is the tomatoes. Tomatoes are very popular for their versatile flavor in many recipes, but in these skewers, the tomatoes are in their purest form and provide a sweet taste to balance the tart of the vinegar. They are known for the antioxidant lycopene they provide, linked to reducing heart disease and cancer. Not only do they contain this potent antioxidant, but they pack a lot of essential vitamins like vitamin A, C and K. These vitamins provide support for the immune system, vision and skin health.

Mozzarella has many health benefits that many of us may not know existed in cheese. This fermented probiotic cheese provides biotin, potassium, zinc, riboflavin and many minerals. It is very low in sodium, with only 176 micrograms in a one-ounce serving. Mozzarella contains two strands of probiotics. These probiotics are beneficial to gut health and have anti-inflammatory properties. Its low caloric amount also allows it to be a crowd favorite.

The basil leaves in this delicious recipe give it a cooling, clean flavor. They are known for various health benefits such as supporting gut health, assisting in the management of diabetes, supporting liver function, and can also help detox the body from toxins. These benefits can be linked to the many antioxidants that basil provides.

The combination of these ingredients, along with balsamic vinegar, makes a great appetizer. Balsamic vinegar has a bold flavor. It has been shown to lower cholesterol because of the antioxidants found in the nutrition values. Balsamic also supports gut health and weight loss.

Caprese Caprese Skewers Skewers

By Amber Arevalos

INGREDIENTS • 1 cup balsamic vinegar • cherry or grape tomatoes • mozzarella cheese balls • fresh basil leaves, cut in half if large • salt and pepper • 6” skewars DIRECTIONS  Bring balsamic vinegar up to a boil in a saucepan, then lower heat to medium and simmer until it's the consistency of very thin maple syrup, about 10 minutes. Pour into a bowl and let cool.  Thread a mini mozzarella cheese ball, basil leaf (fold in half if large) and a tomato onto a tooth pick. Repeat. Sprinkle with Italian seasoning and drizzle with basalmic glaze.