Mozzarella Tomato Olive Cocktail Skewers

• 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)

1. 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.
2. If basil leaves are large, cut into smaller pieces.
3. 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!

mozzarella cheese, grape tomatoes, olives, extra virgin olive oil, garlic, thyme, salt, pepper, red pepper, basil, wooden skewers

Taken from www.food.com/recipe/mozzarella-tomato-olive-cocktail-skewers-155826 (may not work)