When I found out Matt Armendariz was coming out with a book I was excited. When I found out the title was "On a Stick" I was thrilled. When a copy of his book arrived on my doorstep I was ecstatic - because this is, beyond a doubt, so "my" kind of food!!! So, today I have not one but two recipes for you!!! In case you haven't noticed, I love appetizers and this book is chock full of them!! Everything from Spaghetti and Meatballs to Cinnamon Rolls to Deep Fried Candy Bars on a Stick is in this book - and the hardest part of any of the recipes is deciding which one you are going to make first.
Usually when I review a cookbook I pick a recipe, prepare it, style it and photograph it. But not with this book -the absurdity of replicating a dish styled by Adam Pearson and photographed by Matt Armendariz was not lost on me. So, I decided to come up with my own "stick" inspired by Matt's book - Melon, Mozzarella and Prosciutto Skewers. Like all the recipes in Matt's book, these are simple to prepare and have a short list of ingredients that deliver big flavor and are fun to eat!!!
So, I know you are wondering what the second recipe is...it's a recipe for the perfect father's day/wedding shower/new house/host/hostess /birthday gift!!!
Yep, that's right, I have the recipe for the perfect gift for each and every one of those occasions.
The "Perfect Gift"
- 1- -12 copies of Matt Armendariz's "On a Stick"
- 3 or more packages of various types of skewers or "sticks"
- cocktail napkins, appetizer plates (optional)
- assorted ribbon
- cellophane or assorted gift bags with coordinating tissue
Directions:
- Remove sticks or skewers from the packages and divide into bundles of 12 -24 sticks per bundle.
- Tie bundles with ribbon.
- Wrap "On a Stick" with an assortment of the skewer bundles and add cocktail napkins if desired.
- Pat yourself on the back for thinking about this ahead of time!!!
Ah, you probably want the recipe for the Melon, Mozzarella and Prosciutto Skewers with Mint Vinagrette huh?
Well, here it is as well!
Melon, Mozzarella and Prosciutto Skewers with Mint Vinaigrette
(Makes approximately 12 skewers)
Skewers
- 1 cantaloupe
- 1 honeydew melon
- 1 8 oz. container small mozzarella balls, packed in water
- 6 - 8 slices of prosciutto
Vinaigrette:
- 2 Tbsp. sherry wine vinegar
- 2 tsp. honey
- 4 Tbsp. olive oil
- salt and white pepper to taste
- 3 Tbsp. thinly sliced mint
- 12 - 16 6 inch skewers
Directions:
- Cut melons in half. Using a melon baller, scoop melons into balls. Set aside.
- Cutting across the grain, cut each prosciutto slice into 4 strips and fold strips in half and then fold again.
- Drain mozzarella balls and pat with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- To assemble skewers, thread a melon ball onto the skewer and then a folded piece of prosciutto, a mozzarella ball, another folded piece of prosciutto and end with a melon ball. Repeat with remaining skewers. Can be made 6 hours ahead - cover skewers with a damp paper towel and place in an airtight container
- For Vinaigrette: Whisk the honey and the sherry wine vinegar together in a small bowl. Season with salt and pepper. Slowly whisk in the olive oil. (Vinaigrette can be made 1 day ahead, cover and refrigerate). Just before serving stir in 2 Tbsp. of the mint. Drizzle skewers with the vinaigrette and garnish with remaining mint.
Lori says
What is it about eating food from a stick that makes it so much more enjoyable? I love it for the ease of a casual backyard or beach cookout. But what always saved me was when I put new foods on a stick for my kids. They were always more adventurous when trying new foods that happened to be on a stick; it's fun! You'll always get two thumbs up from me for skewered foods.
Nancy says
I know exactly what you mean - there is just something about food on stick that appeals to everyone and I did the same thing when my kids were little!!!
Kathleen says
This looks like a lovely summer appetizer!
Nancy says
Thanks Kathleen!!!
Brandon @ Kitchen Konfidence says
Looks good Nancy! I'm going to do my On a Stick! post this week as well. Funny you should mention the absurdity of replicating Adam's styling. I was having the same thoughts when working through my dish. I ended up adding a human element to my final shot in an attempt to differentiate myself.
Nancy says
"Human element?" Ok, now you've got me intrigued....
Kitchen Runway says
Super cute!! I'm amazed with your melon balling skills! I tried to ball a Tuscan melon this weekend to do something very similar but was very unsuccessful. Great suggestion with the "perfect gift" & extra thoughtful too. Your pictures turned out beautiful and the lighting is sublime! Take care!
Nancy says
Ah... thanks!! Here is the secret to good melon balls. Push the melon scoop down into the melon and then turn the melon scoop around to make the ball. You will have extra melon but you will have perfect melon balls!!
Barbara | Creative Culinary says
Wow...simple, luscious and beautiful...all on one stick! I saw that Matt's book was ready but you've pushed me to the buying part!
Beautiful, beautiful photo. That is all.
Nancy says
Hi Barb!!
Matt's book is really fun - lots of great "on a stick" recipes that are easy to make - perfect for parties!! Glad you liked the photo !!!
the urban baker says
those are gorgeous and I love the choice of melons. great photo, Nancy!
Nancy says
Thanks Susan!! It's easy to take good photos when the food itself is beautiful!!!
Maria says
Perfect summer food!
Nancy says
I think so too!!!
Magic of Spice says
Food on sticks is just so much more fun...these look fantastic! They would be the perfect snack for a lazy warm day 🙂
Sounds like a great cookbook as well.
Hope you are having a great week
Nancy says
I agree!!! Week has been good but man, it is CRAZY!!!
Renee Fontes says
I loved your post, but it made me cry. I was working on a book with the same title. Go figure! You know what they say "all the good ideas are already taken"
Nancy says
Or, "great minds think alike!!" I know there is a book in there just waiting to get out - I know the right title will come to you !!!
lisaiscooking says
This is such a fun book. All the recipes look great for parties. And, your melon and mozzarella sticks look fantastic!
Nancy says
Thanks Lisa!! I have been having so much fun with this book!!
Mardi@eatlivetravelwrite says
I am STILL waiting for my copy of "On a stick" to arrive - there was some delay and now we have a postal strike 🙁 I am thankful for blog friends like you who are posting these gorgeous dishes so that I can live vicariously!!
Nancy says
Hi Mardi!!
Here's hoping the strike is over soon and your copy of "On a Stick" is in your mailbox ASAP!!!
Lana says
I love the recipes, especially the second one:) Your photos are gorgeous! I just might buy me a melon baller to replicate this:) Happy Fourth!
Lana says
I love the recipes, especially the second one:) Your photos are gorgeous! I just might buy me a melon baller to replicate this:) Happy Fourth!