Matt Armendariz’s new cookbook On A Stick! is fun. It’s well designed and of course, beautifully photographed (Matt is a professional food photographer who blogs at Matt Bites.) But above all else, it’s really fun. And according to Matt, not only is food on a stick more fun, it tastes better.
So to put his theory to the test and add some fun to our Memorial Day weekend, I made an entire meal on sticks. All of the food I made was inspired by recipes in the book – Fruit Salad Skewers, Grilled Pineapple Skewers, Chicken Kabobs with Orange Teriyaki Glaze and Caprese on a Stick.
We absolutely loved the Orange Teriyaki Glaze and I’ll post the Chicken Kabobs recipe later in the week. But the Caprese on a Stick was so good, it deserves a post of it’s own. I want it to be listed in my recipe index so I’ll be reminded next time I’m looking for a great appetizer to take to a party.
Of course one of the great things about stick food is that you can change it up any way you like. Matt’s original recipe uses Cherry Tomatoes and Mozzarella balls, but Costco was selling Mozzarella pearls, which were the perfect size to pair with grape tomatoes. I drizzled mine with a little balasmic vinegar and olive oil after I took the pictures.
Caprese On A Stick!
Ingredients
- 12 small bamboo skewers
- 24 grape tomatoes
- 36 fresh mozzarella pearls
- ¼ cup sun-dried tomatoes not in oil
- Fresh basil leaves
- Salt and Pepper
- Balsamic vinegar and olive oil optional
Instructions
- Alternate grape tomatoes, mozzarella pearls, sun-dried tomatoes and basil leaves on small bamboo skewers.
- Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Serve with balsamic vinegar and olive oil, if desired.
This weekend I opted for light and healthy recipes from On A Stick! but I’m sure I’ll get around to making some of the more indulgent recipes like fried ravioli, corn dogs, or the one I’ve been drooling over, Cheesecake on A Stick.
I was sent a free copy of On A Stick! from the publisher to review. I received no compensation and the opinions expressed are my own.
This post is part of Get Grillin’ with Family Fresh Cooking and Cookin’ Canuck, sponsored by Ile de France Cheese,Rösle, Emile Henry, Rouxbe and ManPans.
Claire @ Claire K Creations
I make mini ones of these. Food on a stick goes down so well. It makes it so much easier to eat too!
Denise@There's a Newf in My Soup!
I just received a copy of this book and am looking forward to trying many of the recipes for our Concerts in the Park picnics. We did a themed concert picnic last summer, called Sticks & Balls, so maybe one week this summer we’ll require everything to be on a stick! Very fun, indeed!
Joshua
I love summer when the tomatoes really come into their own. I have trouble staying away from caprese skewers when I find them at buffets here. Love them.
Onse suggestion. As much as I adore balsamic vinegar, if the tomates are in the middle of their season skip it. There are so many great flavours here, you might want to concentrate on a few. But if the tomatoes are a bit sour, then go for it!
Barbara | Creative Culinary
How funny…I saw the photo in my email rss and thought, ‘Now wouldn’t that have been a great item for Matt Armandiaz’s book?’ Obviously I don’t have the book but it seems I was on to something!
Kathleen
I love food on a stick! I’ve made a version of this before but yours looks much better. Can’t wait to try this 😉
Mimi
I think food should be fun and taste great, so this looks perfect.
Mimi
Rosa
A great way of presenting that classic salad! I can’t wait to get my book.
Cheers,
Rosa
gloria
Look absolutely nice! gloria
Paula
Your menu looks fun and delicious (that chicken looks sooo good). One of the best things about *eating on the stick* is that you feel as if you are just nibbling and yet you end up getting full with much less portions.
anncoo
I must take a look on this book tomorrow. Love anything on stick, my boy would definitely loves this…looks so delicious!
Nicole@HeatOvenTo350
How wonderful! It’s so pretty. I love those flavors together, and it’s so perfect for a BBQ so you don’t need utensils.
Kim
I simply can’t wait until the day I buy this book. I really think I “need” to have it:) The caprese on a stick, as well as everything else, looks perfect for a BBQ. I bet everyone was super pleased with your menu!
KalynsKitchen
Love! What a perfect appetizer!
Lyndsey
That’s what I always say, it tastes better when it comes on a stick! I love this idea Caprese on a stick it works great in a bento box lunch too.
Cathy at Wives with Knives
How fun. It’s true, everybody likes food on a stick. And when its good for us it is even better!
Lauren from Lauren's Latest
I’ve been seeing this book everywhere! I’ll just need to get myself a copy!
April
How fun!! And it looks delish!
Faith
I’ve seen a lot of this book around the blog world — I’ll have to check it out! Love the idea of Caprese on a stick!
Anna Johnston
Me too Faith – I adore food on a stick & am about to head on over to check out this cookbook. Adore Caprese at the best of times, but …… on a stick!! Wow 🙂
Robin
I love it! Anything on a stick is more fun to eat anyhow:)
Maris (In Good Taste)
This is fantastic. Fun and healthy to eat and looks so pretty too!