.Mozzarella Eyeballs.

This recipe can be assembled ahead of time for your Halloween party, and makes about 20 appetizers (depending on the number of mozzarella balls in your packages).


.Ingredients.
2 (8 oz. each) packages mini mozzarella di bufala balls, drained
1/3 C. extra virgin olive oil
6 sundried tomatoes, chopped
1 1/2 tsp. dried thyme
2 tsp. dried oregano
2 tsp. dried basil
2-3 cloves garlic, minced or pressed
Crushed red pepper, to taste
Sea salt, to taste
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

.Irises and Pupils.
Unpitted green olives, as needed (about 20)
Black olives, as needed (about 10)
1 disposable plastic straw


.Instructions.
1. To make the marinated mozzarella balls, combine the drained mozzarella, oil, sundried tomatoes, herbs, garlic, red pepper, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Stir gently to mix. Marinate a few hours, up to 24.

2. To create the "iris" of your eyeball, cut the top away from one green olive with a sharp knife. You should end up with a nice round little dome.

3. Using the end of a straw, poke a hole through the middle of your iris and remove the bit of olive. This is where you will place your pupil.

4. To create "pupils," stick the end of a straw into a black olive and pull out a straw-hole-shaped piece. This little round piece of olive is your pupil.

5. Place a "pupil" in the middle of each "iris." Repeat process until you have enough pupils and irises for all of your mozzarella balls.

6. To assemble your eyeballs, drain the marinade away (I re-use mine for pasta or salads) and place your mozzarella balls on a serving platter. I sometimes line my trays with lettuce or cabbage for effect, and to keep the eyeballs from sliding around too much.

7. Place one set of iris and pupil on top of each eyeball. Refrigerate until ready to serve. Be gentle to avoid knocking the irises off of your mozzarella balls! If they don't want to stay, use a sharp knife to cut a small flat area on the mozzarella balls for your olive irises.


.Tips.
* You can serve with festive toothpicks to make them easier to grab on munch!


(Source: Divine Dinner Party, Dabbled.org)


Enjoy!