Say “Cheese” for this Late Summer Appetizer

I know…technically it is fall but let’s hang on to summer for just a bit longer, shall we?

Do you long for the days when you used to entertain? Do you wish you had a reason to make a quick appetizer from your late summer harvest of tomatoes and basil? Well look no further, I’ve got a reason and a recipe you’ll find it hard to resist.

(Note: I received a cheese subscription from Dairy Max as part of their Quarantine Cooking Project. However the recipes and ideas here are my own!)

We are a family of entertainers—no we don’t have a juggling or dance routine–we just like having friends over for dinner or appetizers to celebrate birthdays, accomplishments or just the end of another week.

All that came to a screeching halt in March due to COVID 19. I began working at home and my daily attire switched from casual professional to a rotating wardrobe of sweats, shorts and t-shirts. Makeup went by the wayside as did haircuts. Can you relate?

But one day as I was browsing my closet and dreaming of having a reason to wear my cute summer clothes…But then I decided I didn’t need a reason. Why not look nicer, just because?

And why not make delicious appetizers just for one or two? Just because?

Why not indeed?

So today I bring you a recipe—and I would say it’s more an idea than a recipe. But I promise it’s so easy and yummy, you’ll enjoy it, even without having company to nibble it with you. And who knows…maybe you’ll decide it’s worth it to dress up occasionally, or bring out the good china and crystal, because WHY NOT?

Summer Harvest Appetizer

• 1 cucumber, sliced into thinnish rounds (I prefer English because there are fewer seeds)
• 4 ounces of soft cheese such as Boursin or Chevre
• Cherry tomatoes
• Basil leaves (regular or lemon basil)
• Toothpicks

Wash produce including basil leaves. Dry the basil leaves.

Spread each cucumber slice with a small layer of cheese, depending on how much cheese you prefer.

Poke a hole through a cherry tomato and pluck the basil on top and then pierce the cucumber with it.

Arrange on a pretty platter and enjoy!