Caprese skewers are a timeless appetizer, and adding balsamic pearls elevates them into something truly special. Think about it: juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and the tangy burst of balsamic vinegar—all perfectly balanced on a skewer. It’s a delightful explosion of flavors that’s perfect for any occasion, from summer barbecues to elegant cocktail parties. It looks fancy, but its actually pretty straightforward!
But what makes these Caprese skewers truly stand out are the balsamic pearls. These tiny spheres of concentrated balsamic flavor add a burst of tangy sweetness that takes the classic Caprese to a whole new level. The process of making them might seem intimidating, but with a little patience and the right technique, you can easily create these culinary gems at home. You just need agar-agar, and you're good to go!
I remember the first time I made these for a friend's birthday party. Everyone was so impressed, they thought I’d bought them from a fancy gourmet shop! The best part is seeing the look on people's faces when they bite into one of those balsamic pearls—it's pure joy. Give this a try, trust me. You wont regret it! Make sure that you have cold oil, that's my biggest tip.
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Required Equipments
- Small Bowls
- Bamboo Skewers
- Small Saucepan
- Whisk
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Serving Platter
Caprese Skewers with Balsamic Pearls: Frequently Asked Questions
Caprese Skewers with Balsamic Pearls
These Caprese Skewers with Balsamic Pearls offer a refreshing twist on a classic appetizer. Juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and bursts of balsamic flavor make them a delightful treat for any occasion.
⏳ Yield & Time
Yield: 12 servings
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time:
🍽 Ingredients
đź“– Instructions
- Prepare the Balsamic Reduction: In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup of balsamic vinegar and 2 tablespoons of brown sugar. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
- Reduce the Balsamic: Let the mixture simmer gently for about 15-20 minutes, or until it has reduced to about half its original volume and coats the back of a spoon. It should be thick and syrupy. Don't overcook it though, its easy to overcook!
- Cool the Reduction: Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the balsamic reduction cool completely. It will thicken further as it cools.
- Prepare Agar-Agar Mixture: In a small bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup of the cooled balsamic reduction with 1/4 teaspoon of agar-agar powder. Make sure there are no clumps.
- Heat the Agar Mixture: Transfer the mixture to a small saucepan and heat over low heat, stirring constantly, until the agar-agar is completely dissolved. This should take about 2-3 minutes. Don't boil it!
- Cool Slightly: Remove from heat and let it cool slightly for about 5 minutes.
- Prepare Oil Bath: Fill a tall glass or container with about 2 cups of vegetable oil. Place it in the freezer for about 30-45 minutes, or until the oil is very cold. The colder the oil, the better the pearls will form.
- Create Balsamic Pearls: Using a dropper or syringe, slowly drip the balsamic-agar mixture into the cold oil, one drop at a time. As the drops hit the cold oil, they will form small pearls.
- Collect the Pearls: Once all the balsamic mixture has been dripped, use a fine-mesh sieve or slotted spoon to scoop the balsamic pearls out of the oil.
- Rinse the Pearls: Gently rinse the pearls under cold water to remove any excess oil.
- Transfer to a Bowl: Transfer the rinsed balsamic pearls to a small bowl and set aside.
- Prepare Tomatoes and Mozzarella: Wash and dry 1 pint of cherry tomatoes and 8 ounces of fresh mozzarella balls (small bocconcini).
- Assemble Skewers: Thread a cherry tomato and a mozzarella ball onto each bamboo skewer. Repeat until all the tomatoes and mozzarella are used.
- Arrange Skewers on Platter: Arrange the Caprese skewers on a serving platter.
- Garnish with Balsamic Pearls: Spoon the balsamic pearls over the skewers just before serving. Ensure each skewer gets a generous amount of pearls.
- Serve Immediately: Serve the Caprese skewers immediately and watch your guests smile!
đź“ť Notes
🍎 Nutrition
Calories: 180 kcal
Protein: 8 g
Fat: 10 g
Carbohydrates: 15 g
Fiber: 1 g
Calcium: 80 mg
