The deconstructed caprese is a sandwich on a skewer, featuring crusty bread, mozzarella cheese, tomatoes, and basil. While it looks sort of fussy, it’s actually a snap to pull together and it has a colorful presentation that looks quite smashing in a lunch box. Small mozzarella balls, also known as bocconcini, measure about an inch across and are sold in the specialty cheese section of many supermarkets. Pack the skewers with a little side of olive oil and balsamic vinegar for lunchtime dipping. For bigger appetites, increase the recipe by 50 percent, which will make three skewers instead of two.

　　

Ingredients

Makes 1 serving

　　6 cherry tomatoes

　　2 large basil leaves, torn in half

　　4 small mozzarella balls (bocconcini)

　　Four 1-inch cubes herbed focaccia bread or crusty Italian bread

　　

Special equipment

Two 10-inch wooden skewers

　　

Step 1

1. Thread a cherry tomato onto a skewer followed by a piece of basil, a mozzarella ball, and a bread cube. Repeat so that the skewer has two of every item. Add a third cherry tomato on the end of the skewer. Snap the pointed end off the skewer and discard. Repeat with the remaining ingredients.

　　

Step 2

2. Pack the skewers in a container or wrap them gently in aluminum foil.

　　MAKE-AHEAD NOTES:

　　Can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator.

　　Reprinted with permission from Best Lunch Box Ever by Katie Sullivan Morford, © 2013 Chronicle Books