Quick appetizer that's always a hit!

I'll let you in on a little secret of mine....I hate spending time cooking, baking and preparing things!!! If it's not prepped within 15 minutes or requires more than a dozen ingredients, you definitely won't see me cooking it!  haha   So, that being said, I'm sure you can all guess that I love crock-pots and using Pinterest for quick, easy recipes. And if my hubby is reading this....an InstaPot is on my wishlist!  ;-)  Anyone use those?!  Post your fav recipes in the comments below...I'd love to give "tried & true" recipes a try when the day comes I get mine!
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What's my FAVORITE appetizer?!?!  It's one that's quick to make, uses fresh things out of my garden and it's relatively healthy!  Any guesses?

I absolutely LOVE my garden and everything it produces for me & my family. I'm so blessed to have a moderately green thumb! Through trial and error, I have found a few key items that grow well in it and that I can keep the animals from eating before me. This year I have cucumbers, green beans, butternut squash, cherry tomatoes, big boy tomatoes, asparagus, eggplant, rhubarb onions, chives and a vast variety of herbs.

So, what appetizer do I make from that selection that I LOVE to make and share with those willing to eat it?!

Tomato, Basil, Mozzarella Bites with a light drizzle of Asiago vinaigrette 

There are many health benefits of this dish as well. What could they possibly be you ask?!  Well, let me tell you.....

Tomatoes
Major dietary source of the antioxidant lycopene, which has been linked to many health benefits, including reduced risk of heart disease and cancer. They are also a great source of vitamin C, potassium, folate and vitamin K.
​Fun fact for you: the water content of tomatoes is around 95%. The other 5% consist mainly carbohydrates and fiber.

Basil
According to research conducted at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, basil contains (E)-beta-caryophyllene (BCP), which may be useful in treating arthritis and inflammatory bowel diseases. There are many types of basil out there though. One type, holy basil, has been tested and research has been done....thanks to the phytochemicals it contains, including eugenol, rosmarinic acid, apigenin, myretenal, luteolin, β-sitosterol, and carnosic acid, it may help prevent certain types of skin, liver, oral, and lung cancers. Although more research needs to be done, there is potential for basil extract to be used alongside current cancer treatments! 
Another great benefit, STRESS REDUCTION....who doesn't have stress in their lives?!  Research has been to show that a significant decrease in blood sugar levels and an increase in antioxidant activity in those who consumed more basil.

Mozzarella
You may think of cheese as being unhealthy, but I'll assure you there are some great benefits to it that you may not know of! Eat this food in moderation though as it is high in saturated fat. Aside from a great source of calcium to grow strong bones and teeth, it is a great source of Biotin, which is water soluble. So our bodies don't store it. It's excellent for pregnant women who may be deficient or anyone with brittle nails. It's also rich in riboflavin, which helps fight migraine attacks and anemia. Potassium is another key mineral that is found in this cheese. Fun fact: potassium also aids in lowering blood pressure and rectifying abysmal heart rhythms. 

“Your body is a temple, but only if you treat it as one.”
- Astrid Alauda -