Caprese Ladybug Bites
Add a touch of whimsy to spring snacking with ladybug-shaped appetizers made from classic caprese ingredients.
Ingredients:
- Fresh mozzarella log, sliced into rounds
- Balsamic glaze
- Basil leaves
- Grape tomatoes, halved lengthwise
- Large black olives, sliced into rounds
- Toothpick
How-to:
1. Create the base: Lay mozzarella rounds on a serving platter. Add a dab of balsamic glaze to each round, then top each with a basil leaf.
2. Build the ladybug: Place tomato halves flat-side down on a cutting board. Cut a lengthwise slit two-thirds of the way through the center of each. Do not cut fully in half. This creates a separation for the wings. Place a black olive round on each basil leaf, then place a tomato, flat-side down with the non-slit side overlapping half of the olive round.
3. Add the dots: Pour balsamic glaze into a small bowl. Dip a toothpick into the glaze, then dab onto the tomatoes to draw the iconic ladybug dots. Feeling extra confident with your glazing skills? Use the glaze to draw a line down the center connecting to the slit to emphasize the wings. Serve immediately, refrigerating any leftovers.