Roasted Pepper and Mozzarella Bites

2 bell peppers, one yellow and one red

1 tub fresh mozzarella, preferably the cherry sized

olive oil

salt and pepper and/or seasoning you like (I like Montreal Steak Seasoning for this)

fresh basil

Set oven to broil.  Line a baking sheet with foil.  Place the whole peppers on the foil and place under broiler.   When the tops of the peppers have turned black, take tongs and rotate peppers.  Keep turning peppers until the skin is completely charred.  Place peppers in a brown paper lunch sack or in a large zip lock bag.  Close.  Let steam for 10 minutes.  Remove peppers to a cutting board and let cool.

After peppers have cooled, skins will slip off easily.  Remove all of the skin and then cut peppers in half, removing stem carefully so peppers don't tear.  Remove seeds carefully.  Slice each pepper half into about 5 or 6 strips.  Season pepper strips.

Drain 20 to 22 mozzarella balls.  Place mozzarella in small bowl and drizzle some olive oil on them.  Sprinkle some salt and pepper and/or your seasoning (don't be skimpy with the salt) and toss. 

Take each mozzarella ball and wrap with a strip of pepper.  Secure with a toothpick and place on serving platter.  Repeat with remaining peppers and cheese.  Slice some fresh basil, if you like, into chiffonade and sprinkle over the appetizers.

 The Italian Dish Blog