Caprese Martinis Recipes

CAPRESE MARTINI

Steps:

• Combine first five ingredients (gin through bitters) in a small shaker with ice; shake 10 seconds and strain into a martini glass. Sink an eyedropper of balsamic vinegar to bottom of glass. Garnish with black pepper and mozzarella-tomato skewer.

CAPRESE SALAD

Steps:

• Arrange the slices of tomato and mozzarella on a platter, alternating between slices of each, and sprinkle over the basil leaves. Season generously with salt and black pepper, then drizzle over the olive oil and vinegar. Serve straightaway.

CAPRESE TOMATO BITES

Steps:

• Scoop out and discard pulp of cherry tomatoes. Invert tomatoes onto paper towels to drain., In a food processor, combine the cream, mozzarella cheese, basil and garlic; cover and process until blended. , Cut a small hole in the corner of a pastry or heavy-duty resealable plastic bag. Fill with cheese mixture. , Turn tomato halves over; drizzle with vinegar. Pipe cheese mixture into tomatoes. Refrigerate until serving.

CAPRESE PANINI

Steps:

• Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add tomato, capers, and pepper flakes; saute until tomatoes just start to break down, about 3 minutes. Remove from the heat and stir in vinegar.
• Brush one side of each bread slice with remaining oil. Spread the other sides with pesto. Place 2 slices of bread, pesto sides up, on a work surface. Layer with mozzarella cheese and then tomato mixture. Sprinkle with salt and pepper and top with remaining bread, oiled sides up.
• Toast sandwiches in a large skillet over medium heat until golden, 5 to 7 minutes per side. Use a heavy skillet on top of the sandwiches to weigh them down as they cook.

CAPRESE SANDWICH

Steps:

• If using focaccia, cut the slices across the middle so you have a total of eight slices. Spread 1/4 tbsp pesto over four of the focaccia or bread slices, and drizzle each of the remaining four slices with 1/2 tsp olive oil.
• Divide the rocket, mozzarella, tomatoes, basil leaves and red onion slices over the pesto-topped focaccia or bread. Drizzle 1/4 tsp balsamic vinegar over each of the remaining slices. Sandwich the slices together, wrap up for a picnic or serve straightaway. Best eaten on the day they're made.