Sorry if I’ve been a little obsessed with appetizers lately.  They are just so easy to make and most of the time they are much easier to keep portion controlled than a bigger meal.  But when I first used mini bell peppers for this appetizer a while ago, I’ve kind of been looking for another recipe for them. And when I saw them on sale at my grocery store this weekend, I grabbed them without a second thought.  I’m not really sure how I came across this recipe for Marinated Peppers and Mozzarella (on page 6 of the booklet) but I’m sure glad I did.

Mini bell peppers are broiled until blackened and soft and then mixed with olive oil, garlic, lemon rind and red pepper flakes. After marinating in the refrigerator overnight, lemon juice and fresh basil are added, livening up these low-carb peppers which are RIDICULOUS. The peppers are perfectly soft, sweet, and mellow, the mozzarella is creamy and rich, the red pepper flakes are mildly spicy, the lemon is bright and the basil is perfectly aromatic. I used half the amount of olive oil indicated in the recipe and still think I could have used less so use your judgment. These are fantastic just the way they are but would also be great served on some baguette slices or even with the peppers cut up in some pasta. Mini bell peppers, I’m officially in love with you.

Preheat broiler to high. Arrange sweet peppers in a single layer on a foil-lined jelly-roll pan; broil peppers 4 minutes on each side or until blackened and tender. Cool.

Combine peppers, olive oil, garlic, lemon rind, crushed red pepper, salt, and mozzarella balls; toss. Cover and refrigerate overnight, tossing occasionally.

Let stand at room temperature for 30 minutes.  Stir in basil leaves and lemon juice before serving.

Additions:  None

Omissions:  None

Substitutions:  None

Overall Rating:  Love It

Source:  cookinglight.com