Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Chill Time: 15–20 minutes
Total Time: 30–35 minutes

Ingredients

• Fresh mozzarella pearls

• Cherry tomatoes

• Fresh basil leaves

• Island Olive Oil Company Extra Virgin Olive Oil, for lightly brushing the mold

• Island Olive Oil Company Traditional Dark Balsamic Vinegar, for drizzling

Equipment

• Oven-safe silicone skull mold

• Small skewers or decorative Halloween picks

• Pastry brush

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 300°F.

2. Prepare the mold. Using a pastry brush, lightly coat the inside of each silicone skull cavity with Extra Virgin Olive Oil to help prevent sticking.

3. Add the mozzarella. Place one mozzarella pearl into each cavity of the silicone skull mold. Set the mold on a baking sheet for stability.

4. Soften the mozzarella. Place the mold in the oven for approximately 5 minutes, or just until the mozzarella has softened. The cheese should be pliable but not completely melted.

5. Shape the skulls. Remove the mold from the oven. Using the back of a spoon, gently press the softened mozzarella into each cavity, flattening the surface and ensuring the cheese fills the skull details.

6. Chill. Transfer the mold to the refrigerator for 15–20 minutes, or until the mozzarella has firmed up and holds its shape.

7. Remove the skulls. Carefully pop each mozzarella skull out of the silicone mold.

8. Assemble the skewers. Thread the ingredients onto each skewer in the following order:

   • Cherry tomato

   • Fresh basil leaf

   • Mozzarella skull

   • Fresh basil leaf

   • Cherry tomato

9. Finish and serve. Arrange the skewers on a serving platter and drizzle with Traditional Dark Balsamic Vinegar just before serving.

Tips for Success

• Don't overheat the mozzarella. The goal is to soften the cheese enough to press it into the mold without completely melting it.

• Use just a light coating of olive oil. A thin layer is all you need to help the cheese release from the mold.

• Use smaller basil leaves for easier assembly and a balanced presentation.

• Make ahead: Prepare the mozzarella skulls in advance and keep them refrigerated until you're ready to assemble.

• Drizzle just before serving to keep the skewers looking fresh and prevent the balsamic from staining the mozzarella skulls.

A little spooky, a lot delicious!