Caprese Salad Skewers

These skewers are one of the appetizers we put together for my housemate's and my recent birthday party. They were really easy to make (crucial on a busy day of baking!) and absolutely delicious. They were also a nice vegetarian addition to the eats for the evening, while still being yummy for everyone to enjoy. These are also nice for a party because they just get better as they sit around; instead of getting mushy or stale, the skewers just soak up more of the yummy sauce.

Caprese Salad Skewers (from Mumm Napa's Hors D'oeuvres deck)

1 T fig balsamic vinegar, or more to taste
1 T plus 1 tsp extra virgin olive oil
1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
1/8 tsp kosher salt, or more to taste
4 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, cut into 24 1/2-inch cubes
24 small cherry tomatoes, preferable Sweet 100s
24 small leaves of fresh basil
25 five-inch bamboo skewers

1. Combine the vinegar, 1 T of the olive oil, 1/8 tsp of the pepper, and the salt in a small bowl. Whisk until well combined. Taste and adjust vinegar and salt.
2. Toss the mozzarella with the remaining 1 tsp olive oil and the remaining 1/8 tsp pepper. Season to taste with salt if needed.
3. Slide one cherry tomato onto each skewer. Fold each piece of basil in half and slide onto the skewers. Finally, add 1 piece of mozzarella to each skewer. Repeat until all ingredients have been used. Place the skewers on a serving dish and evenly pour the balsamic vinegar over the skewers.