A simple Italian-inspired appetizer that you can easily make with your family! Since it’s growing season, farmers’ stands and markets are filled with fresh local produce!
Doesn’t it make you feel excited and nourished even by looking at it? And you probably want to share that excitement with your family!
Unfortunately eating salad isn’t very exciting, so why don’t you run a culinary art class with them? From my experience, kids eat more or at least sample when they are involved in growing or preparing food. Don’t worry, even if cooking isn’t your expertise, you can be a pro at this!
In this article, you’ll find how to make an Italian-inspired appetizer with your family.
What you need
- mini cucumber
- cherry tomatoes (I used strawberry tomatoes.)
- mini bocconcini
- basil or any herbs for garnish
- toothpicks
- salami (optional)
Instruction – simple Italian-inspired appetizer
Let’s get started! Please click on the YouTube video below if you prefer a video tutorial. Otherwise, follow the written instructions next.
Step 1: Wash & Cut
First, let’s wash a cucumber and some tomatoes before you cut them. When you’re done, cut a cucumber into roughly 0.5 ~ 1cm slices. Next, slice the cherry tomatoes horizontally in half as you can see in the picture below.
Next, prepare the mini bocconcini and toothpicks and place them near your veggies. Additionally, get a plate to put the skewers on.
Step 2: Make the skewers – a simple Italian-inspired appetizer
Next, you’re going to make the skewers. To begin, hold a toothpick with your fingers. Then put a slice of cucumber, mini bocconcini and a tomato on the top like a cap. Repeat the same process until all the ingredients are gone.
As you know that’s the same colour scheme as the Italian flag: green, white and red. Watch out for the pointy part of the toothpick, especially for young kids.
Tip: If you don’t have mini bocconcini, you can always substitute it with whatever cheese you have. It may not be the colour of the Italian flag, but flexibility wins in family life!
Final Step: Decorate & Serve
By now, you have beautiful creations by your family sitting in front of you. So, the final step is to decorate and serve.
It’s always fun to work on culinary art. Working on your creativity not only helps you relax but also allows children to explore their curiosity. There’s no right or wrong in art, so use your imagination to create a design.
As an example, I placed the skewers on the round plate and placed homemade Italian dressing in the middle. I found some children enjoy the actual flavours of food without any dressing.
Additionally, if you have salami, it’s a great way to add extra protein for growing children. You simply fold it in half and make it into a cone. Then add them around the skewers like flowers!
Finally, add fresh basil or any herbs as a garnish and serve – Bon Appetite!
What do you think? Does it look easy enough for you and your family to make it together? This is an ideal appetizer/snack in the summer using fresh local produce full of taste and nutrients. Yes, you’re actually providing food education for your kids!
As a Japanese person, quality ingredients and presentation of the food are two core values I hold for healthy eating. That’s something my mom taught me, and I’ve been trying to do the same for my sons. As a result, I’ve involved them in growing and harvesting food at home and on local farms.
I bet you have some of your favourite childhood memories around food. So when you are making a simple Italian-inspired appetizer with your children, share your stories with them! That creates quality time with your family and there’s nothing better than that! ❤️