This delightfully simple appetizer evokes fond memories of Italy and many of its gastronomic gems. Just look at it! It’s a red, white, and green beauty. For me, just saying the word “Italy” puts me in a happy state. Doesn’t it you? It is my favorite comfort food of all. I can close my eyes and almost taste the lemony, salty air of Lago di Como or the world’s most mouth-watering ravioli with brown butter and fried sage at a corner trattoria in Roma. Swoon.
The ingredients do all the work here and the result is pop-in-your-mouth perfection. Creamy mozzarella nestled against juicy cherry tomatoes in the pure and vibrant comfort of a basil leaf equates to almost everything I love about Italy in one little bite.
So, in honor of one of my favorite countries, and of the day of my birth, I’ll send along this lovely recipe…and as for me, well, I am off to try a new Italian restaurant here in Austin. 
Buen provecho….or, mejor dicho, buon appetito!
- 12 ounces fresh marinated mozzarella balls
- 12 ounces cherry tomatoes (or tomatoes of similar size)
- about 24 fresh basil leaves
- Assemble as pictured above.
- Drizzle remaining mozzarella "marinade" (aka seasoned olive oil) atop. Serve room temp and enjoy!
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