Little Foodies: Ladybug Appetizers

The Foodies' KitchenOctober 19, 2016

This post is also available in / Esta entrada también está disponible en ESPAÑOL (SPANISH)

These ladybug appetizers are a fun idea to make with the kids. They are not only a healthier alternative for an afternoon snack, but also a great option for a themed party.

They are easy to prepare: use round salty crackers, or small baguette rounds, which are spread with soft cream cheese. Generally, kids don’t like strong flavors, so we recommend using simple soft cream cheese. If there are no problems with herbs, and your kids have a more developed palate, you can add a bit of chopped fresh basil, or chives and season with salt and pepper.

We recommend using cherry tomatoes, pick the reddest you can find. For the ladybug’s black spots, we reduced balsamic vinegar over reduced heat. This will make it become thick and syrupy, making it easier to make the spots. Stay by the pot while you are making the reduction, it only takes a few minutes and it may easily burn.

At Almacenes Siman we found a green bowl, in which we placed the cherry tomatoes, a leaf-shaped plate, which was ideal for serving our ladybug appetizers in, the small colored bowls and a wooden cutting board with a silicone handle.

Helga & Kitty

Ladybug Appetizers

Idea from Taste of Home
Yields: 12 appetizers

Ingredients:
2 oz cream cheese, softened
12 salted round crackers, (or baguette rounds)
6 cherry tomatoes, quartered
6 black olives, cut in half horizontally
3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
fresh basil leaves, for decoration.

Procedure:

First, make the balsamic reduction so your kids can make the ladybug’s spots later. In a small pot, or small pan, place the balsamic vinegar, and let it come to a simmer over medium-low heat. Stir constantly, letting it simmer for about 2 minutes. The balsamic vinegar will be thickened. Place it in a ramekin and set aside.
Spread the softened cream cheese over each one of the crackers.
Place two parts of the tomatoes (which you have already quartered) to make the ladybug’s wings.
To make the heads, cut the black olives in half, horizontally. Place one half on each cracker.
To make the spots on the wings, you can use a toothpick. Dip it in the balsamic reduction and use it to make the spots.
For decoration, place each appetizer on a fresh basil leaf.

To download a printable version of this recipe, click below!

Download Printable

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