fresh basil | flavorsmack

People always talk about shedding pounds after the holidays. Unfortunately in this household, the holiday weight gain period extends through to the Super Bowl. It’s flattering to hear that there are people who look forward to the get-together at our house every year, so I must be doing something right, right? Or is it the guilty pleasure of devouring a 7-layer dip and fried buffalo chicken balls that brings everyone back? Whatever it is, I don’t care. Unlike the orchestrated Thanksgiving or Easter meals, the Super Bowl is a nosh-worthy event. I throw everything onto a table and I sit back and enjoy the game, (or in this year’s case, not enjoy the game so much, but more so my friends and David Beckham). So this time, I made a concerted effort to try to incorporate some healthier dishes without going all vegan on my guests (not that there is anything wrong with vegan!) What is funny, is that the couscous salad sat, so did the potato salad made healthier with greek yogurt. Anything remotely like a taco-cheese-like substance is always a big seller. So are the veggie dips and ranch dressing. But all my energy wasn’t wasted in trying to tone down my frowny-faced caloric menu, because I found one healthy appetizer that sold….quickly. Ok so it has cheese. But still, it wasn’t fried or dripping with steak juice. These little mozzarella, basil and tomato bites were a hit. Plus they are easy to prepare and apparently don’t sit very long! I love the fact that you can tailor the amount to what you feel like. I made them one night for myself and a friend, so we just made six. Ok so we also made three other appetizers and shrimp étouffée, oh and uh, a smoothie made with Bud Light and peanut butter, but that is another story for another time. (Or maybe I’ll just let that one go…)

caprese wontons

non-stick spray
1 12 oz package square wonton wrappers
1 8 oz ball fresh mozzarella, diced small
1 TB extra virgin olive oil
6 TB fresh basil, Julienne
1 large ripe tomato, seeded and diced small
crushed red pepper
kosher salt
fresh ground pepper

get started on the wonton cups:

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Add your diced mozzarella and tomato in a medium bowl. Add the olive oil and toss to coat. Add crushed red pepper, salt and pepper to taste. Prepare two muffin tins by spraying with non-stick spray. Taking two wrappers at a time, rotate the top one a quarter turn and press both wrappers into the muffin cup. Continue to fill each muffin cup until all 24 cups are pressed in.
Equally spoon mozzarella mixture into each cup and top with sliced basil. Bake in the oven for 10 minutes or until cheese is melted and wrappers turn golden brown.