Mediterranean Grilled Mozzarella Skewers

Serve these delightful skewers as a tapa (appetizer) or as a side to grilled meat. Recipe by Chef James Campbell Caruso.

Recipe Ingredients:

1 cup extra-virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons Spanish sherry vinegar
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon chopped fresh oregano
1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
2 teaspoons minced garlic
12 fresh mozzarella ciliegine balls (1/3 ounce each)
12 seedless red grapes
12 pitted kalamata olives
12 cherry tomatoes
12 large caperberries
6 (8-inch) to 12 (6-inch) skewers

Cooking Directions:

1. In a large bowl, mix the oil, vinegar, lemon juice, oregano, pepper flakes, and garlic. Add the remaining ingredients; toss well to coat. Refrigerate for 2 hours to marinate.
2. Heat a gas or charcoal grill to medium.
3. For 8-inch skewers, thread 1 mozzarella ball, 1 grape, 1 olive, 1 tomato, and 1 caperberry on each skewer; repeat so you have two of each item on each skewer. For 6-inch skewers, thread 1 of each item, in the same order.
4. Grill the skewers on all sides for 5 to 7 minutes or until the cheese is soft and the skewers are thoroughly heated. Serve the skewers as a tapa or side to grilled meat.

Makes 6 appetizer servings.

Recipe and photograph provided courtesy of Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board, Inc.