Christmas Caprese Candy Cane Board

Right, let’s talk Christmas. The tree’s up (mostly straight, thanks to a strategic cushion underneath), the carols are playing (on repeat, much to my husband’s dismay!), and the festive nibbles are calling my name. Last year, I wanted something a bit more exciting than the usual cheese and crackers, something that even my fussy little ones, bless them, would actually enjoy. After countless experiments (and a few taste tests that involved sneaking samples away from my ever-watchful son, Thomas, and daughter, Emily), the Christmas Caprese Candy Cane Board was born! It’s colourful, festive, surprisingly healthy, and brilliantly simple to throw together. I promise you, this will be the star of your Christmas buffet table. It’s a guaranteed hit, and you’ll get to feel smugly virtuous about sneaking some fresh ingredients into the celebrations. What more could you want?

Why This Recipe Works

As a busy mum of two, I know that Christmas preparations need to be as easy as possible. This Christmas Caprese Candy Cane Board ticks all the boxes. After eight years of juggling family life and kitchen experiments, I’ve learned a thing or two about quick, impressive dishes.

• Simple Ingredients: Everything you need is easily found in your local supermarket – no hunting down obscure items!
• Quick Assembly: Honestly, it takes longer to find the Christmas tunes than it does to assemble this board.
• Kid-Friendly: The combination of mozzarella and tomatoes is a winner with most children, and the candy cane shape makes it extra appealing. Even Emily, who is notoriously picky, loves it!

Ingredients

• 250g cherry tomatoes, preferably a mix of red and yellow
• 250g small mozzarella balls (bocconcini), drained
• Fresh basil leaves, a generous bunch
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon balsamic glaze (optional, but adds a lovely touch)
• Pinch of sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

Ingredient Notes

The beauty of this Christmas Caprese Candy Cane Board is its simplicity. However, a few clever choices can elevate it.

• Tomatoes: A mix of red and yellow cherry tomatoes adds visual appeal. If you can only find one colour, don’t worry, it will still look brilliant.
• Mozzarella: Bocconcini are the perfect size for this, but if you can only find larger mozzarella balls, simply halve or quarter them.
• Basil: Fresh basil is essential for that classic Caprese flavour. Dried basil simply won’t do!
• Balsamic Glaze: This adds a touch of sweetness and acidity that balances the richness of the mozzarella. It’s optional, but highly recommended. You can find it in most supermarkets near the vinegars.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Right then, let’s get down to it. Here’s how to assemble your Christmas Caprese Candy Cane Board. It’s so simple, even the kids can help!

1. Prepare the Tomatoes and Mozzarella: Give the cherry tomatoes a good wash and pat them dry. Drain the mozzarella balls and gently pat them dry with kitchen paper. This helps the olive oil and balsamic glaze adhere better.
2. Arrange the Candy Cane Shape: On a large serving board or platter, start arranging the cherry tomatoes and mozzarella balls in alternating colours to form a candy cane shape. Start with a curved ‘hook’ at the top and then extend the stripe down the board. This is the fun part – get creative!
3. Add the Basil: Tuck fresh basil leaves in between the tomatoes and mozzarella, adding pops of green throughout the candy cane. Don’t be afraid to use plenty of basil – it adds a lovely fragrance and flavour.
4. Drizzle with Olive Oil and Balsamic Glaze: Drizzle the entire candy cane with extra virgin olive oil and balsamic glaze. Be careful not to overdo the balsamic glaze – a little goes a long way!
5. Season and Serve: Sprinkle with a pinch of sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. Serve immediately and watch it disappear!

My Kitchen Tips & Tricks

Over the years, I’ve picked up a few tricks that make this Christmas Caprese Candy Cane Board even better. Here are some of my top tips:

• Make it Ahead: You can assemble the board a few hours in advance and keep it covered in the fridge. Just drizzle with the olive oil and balsamic glaze right before serving.
• Quality Ingredients: The better the quality of your tomatoes and mozzarella, the better the flavour will be. Splurge a little on good quality ingredients if you can.
• Get the Kids Involved: This is a great recipe to get the children involved in. They can help wash the tomatoes, drain the mozzarella, and arrange the candy cane shape.
• Add a Festive Touch: For an extra festive touch, add some edible glitter or a sprig of rosemary to the top of the candy cane.
• Presentation Matters: Use a beautiful serving board or platter to showcase your Christmas Caprese Candy Cane Board. It will make it even more appealing.
• Don’t Overcrowd: Leave a little space between the tomatoes and mozzarella so that people can easily pick them up.
• Taste as You Go: Give it a little taste before serving and adjust the seasoning as needed.

Storage & Meal Prep

Whilst this Christmas Caprese Candy Cane Board is best served immediately, here’s how to store any leftovers (if there are any!):

• Storage: Store any leftover tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil in an airtight container in the fridge.
• Shelf Life: It will keep for up to 24 hours, but the tomatoes may become a little soft.
• Reheating: This isn’t really suitable for reheating. It’s best enjoyed cold.
• Make-Ahead: As mentioned earlier, you can assemble the board a few hours in advance, but don’t add the olive oil and balsamic glaze until just before serving.

Substitutions & Variations

Want to mix things up a bit? Here are some substitutions and variations you can try:

• Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free mozzarella alternatives. There are some good options available now, made from nuts or coconut.
• Vegetarian: This recipe is already vegetarian-friendly!
• Seasonal Variations: In the summer, use sun-dried tomatoes for a more intense flavour. In the winter, add some roasted red peppers for a warming touch.
• Ingredient Swaps: Try adding some Kalamata olives or artichoke hearts for a Mediterranean twist.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of chilli flakes to the olive oil for a little bit of heat.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I prepare this the night before?

You can assemble the board a few hours in advance, cover it with cling film, and store it in the fridge. However, I wouldn’t recommend doing it the night before as the tomatoes can become a little soft. Add the olive oil and balsamic glaze just before serving.

How do I know if the mozzarella is fresh?

Fresh mozzarella should be soft and springy to the touch. It should also have a milky flavour. If it smells sour or feels slimy, it’s probably past its best.

Can I use dried basil instead of fresh?

I wouldn’t recommend it. Fresh basil is essential for that classic Caprese flavour. Dried basil simply won’t have the same aroma or taste.

What can I use instead of balsamic glaze?

If you don’t have balsamic glaze, you can use a drizzle of regular balsamic vinegar. Just be careful not to use too much as it can be quite acidic. Alternatively, you could use a honey-mustard dressing for a sweeter flavour.

Is this recipe suitable for children?

Yes, absolutely! My children love this Christmas Caprese Candy Cane Board. The combination of tomatoes and mozzarella is a winner with most kids, and the candy cane shape makes it extra appealing. Just be sure to use small mozzarella balls so they are easy for little ones to eat.

Can I scale this recipe for a larger crowd?

Yes, you can easily scale this recipe up or down depending on the number of people you’re serving. Simply adjust the quantities of the ingredients accordingly. For a large crowd, you could create a few smaller candy canes instead of one large one.

Serving Suggestions

This Christmas Caprese Candy Cane Board is a fantastic centrepiece for your Christmas buffet table. It pairs well with:

• Crackers or crusty bread
• Prosciutto or other cured meats
• Olives and antipasti
• A glass of chilled white wine or Prosecco

For portion guidance, I usually allow about 5-6 cherry tomatoes and mozzarella balls per person. My family typically enjoys this as part of a larger spread of festive nibbles.

So there you have it, my Christmas Caprese Candy Cane Board! It’s simple, festive, and surprisingly healthy – everything a busy mum needs during the Christmas season. I really hope you give it a try. I promise you, it will be a hit with the whole family. And do let me know what you think in the comments below. I always love hearing your feedback. Happy Christmas baking, everyone!

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