Mozzarella Tomato Olive Cocktail Skewers - cooking recipe

Ingredients

4 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese (small balls, if available)
16 grape tomatoes
16 kalamata olives, pitted
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1 dash crushed red pepper flakes
32 small fresh basil leaves (plus additional for garnish-optional)
16 wooden skewers (4\"-6-inch)

Preparation

Cut the mozzarella into bite sized pieces. If you are lucky enough to find the small balls, keep them whole. Place in a medium bowl and stir in the tomatoes, olives, oil, garlic, thyme, salt, pepper and red pepper. Cover and refrigerate 1-3 hours.
If basil leaves are large, cut into smaller pieces.
Thread the marinated cheese, tomatoes and olives onto skewers, placing the basil leaves inbetween. Place skewers on a platter; garnish with additional fresh basil. Enjoy!