ANTIPASTA SKEWERS

I am always trying to come up with some fun and tasty appetizers.  This past December I catered  a neighbors Christmas party that was cocktails and appetizers.  For those kinds of parties I try to serve appetizers that have more filling ingredients instead of just chips and dips.  A perfect, fun and easy appetizer I came up with was Anitpasta Skewers.  The skewers include all the fixins that are in a pasta salad; tortellini, cheese, salami, olives, tomatoes and the zesty vinegrette dressing as well.  These skewers look great alligned on a circular platter.        


ANTIPASTA SKEWERS  

* Makes 30 skewers

• 30 bamboo skewers (about 5 inches long)
• 30 mini mozerella cheese balls
• 30 grape tomatoes
• 30 pitted kalamata olives
• 30 cheese filled tortelinni
• large dried salami log - cut into 1 inch pieces

For Dressing:

• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 4 TB. balsamic vinegar
• 2 TB. chopped fresh basil
• salt, pepper and crushed red pepper to taste

1.  Heat a large pot of salted water to boiling.  Add the tortellini.  Cook until aldente.  Rinse immediately under  cold water.  Set aside.
2. To assemble the skewers slide the following ingredients onto the skewers: tortelinni, tomato, salami, kalamata olive and mozerella ball.  Assemble all 30 skewers.
3. Place skewers on a serving platter and place in fridge.  When ready to serve drizzle with vinegrette.

To make vinegrette:

1. Place balsamic vinegar in a bowl.  Slowly drizzle  in the olive oil while whisking.
2. Whisk in fresh basil, salt, pepper and crushed red pepper.