Bite-sized snacks with crackers, cream cheese, cherry tomatoes, and basil, perfect for picnics and parties.
# Components:
→ Base
01 - 12 round whole grain crackers
02 - 6 tablespoons softened cream cheese
→ Topping
03 - 12 cherry tomatoes, halved
04 - 12 black olives, pitted and halved lengthwise
05 - 24 small fresh basil leaves
→ Decoration
06 - 1 tablespoon balsamic glaze or thick balsamic reduction
07 - 12 small edible black sesame seeds (optional)
# Directions:
01 - Spread approximately ½ tablespoon of softened cream cheese evenly onto each cracker.
02 - Place one fresh basil leaf on top of the cream cheese, allowing the tip to extend beyond the cracker edge.
03 - Position a halved cherry tomato, cut side down, on each cracker to represent the ladybug's body.
04 - Place half of a black olive at the end of each tomato to form the ladybug's head.
05 - Using a toothpick or small piping bag, dot tiny spots of balsamic glaze on the tomato to mimic ladybug spots.
06 - Optionally, place a small black sesame seed at the front of each olive to resemble a nose.
07 - Arrange assembled pieces on a platter and serve immediately to maintain cracker crispness.
