Balsamic Caprese Mini Bites with Watermelon Cubes

4th RECAP

Our lake parade was well attended by 30 boats with enthusiastic crews having a great time. So many people were also lined up on docks to cheer us on. Such a great weather day with fairly calm seas.

 

We did miss our most enthusiastic boater. Bella. She always enjoyed boat rides and a parade! 

Be sure to add this recipe to your repertoire of a holiday must make. Martha, a friend of mine made this spectacular-looking fruit pizza for a lakeside brunch. Her finished creation looked just like the one from the recipe site. And it appears really easy to make. Would be a fun family activity and/or for visiting grandchildren.   

 https://www.itsalwaysautumn.com/easy-delicious-american-flag-fruit-pizza.html

No other produce screams summer quite like watermelon. It could be its refreshing sweetness or even the burst of color that adds a bit of brightness to your plate. It's hard to beat the simple pleasure of biting into a juicy slice of watermelon.

Balsamic Caprese Mini Bites with Watermelon Cubes

Cook's Notes: Save time on party day by slicing cucumbers and watermelon cubes ahead but bag separately. Assemble and drizzle with balsamic right before serving. Highly recommend using chocolate balsamic as it really amps up the flavor. Another option is making a mint lime vinaigrette (recipe below) substituting mint for basil. At larger grocery stores you can find herb mozzarella balls in deli section which would be great for this appetizer.

Ingredients:

• Cucumber slices
• Watermelon cubes
• Mozzarella balls (deli section) or Feta cubes
• Roma tomatoes
• Basil or mint chopped
• Good quality dark balsamic or chocolate balsamic

Directions:

• Line a large plate with two paper towels.
• Slice cucumbers about 1/4 inch thick and cube watermelon into bite-sized pieces.
• Place both on paper towels to drain.
• Chiffonade the basil leaves (chop) see this tutorial https://www.thekitchn.com/how-to-chiffonade-fresh-basil-leaves-cooking-lessons-from-the-kitchn-188971
• Assembly: Cucumber slice, watermelon cube, cheese ball, toothpick, and a tomato.

Mint Lime Vinaigrette
Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 tablespoons fresh mint
• 4 teaspoons lime juice
• 1 teaspoon honey
• 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

• Whisk to combine or use a blender to mix. Taste test to balance ingredients. Serve with Blueberry Lemonade Slushies (recipe previously published)

https://sockfairies.blogspot.com/2019/07/blueberry-lemonade-slushies.html

Check out some watermelon "off the charts" creativity.