Easy and Patriotic 4th of July Appetizer

Holidays are a time for socializing and eating. Impress your guests with a patriotic appetizer while they are waiting for the main event, whether that's the BBQ or the fireworks display. Do the preparation the day before so you have time to mingle and enjoy the celebration, too. Make this beautiful platter your centerpiece, or add it to the table with a patriotic centerpiece you make yourself, and your guests will be saying, "Ooooh" and "Ahhh" before the fireworks ever start.

Mozzarella, Tomato and Blue Corn Tortilla Chip Flag Platter

Ingredients:

• 1 lb. block of low moisture mozzarella cheese

• 3 medium size ripe tomatoes

• 1 bag of blue corn tortilla chips

• Olive oil

• Fresh basil leaves

• Ground sea salt

Wash and slice tomatoes, then cut each slice in half.

Slice mozzarella cheese. If you have a large block, you should cut the slices in half to roughly match the size of your tomato slices.

On a large platter, leaving the left 1/4 of the platter empty, arrange rows of tomato halves, then mozzarella slices, starting at the top. Slightly overlap the bottom of each row and use the flat side of the tomato facing the top of the platter. This will create a flat edge that looks like a stripe rather than a scalloped edge.

The last row should be tomatoes. Use a double row for a filled in looking stripe, flat side of the tomato halves facing the bottom of the platter.

Pile as many blue corn tortilla chips in the empty space to the left of the tomatoes and mozzarella as looks good. You can pour the rest of the chips in a bowl. Cut out several stars from the sliced mozzarella and arrange on top of the chips.

For a simple dressing to add flavor to the mozzarella and tomatoes, wash the basil leaves, chop, and add to 1/4 cup olive oil. The basil gets distributed more evenly if mixed with the olive oil, but can also be sprinkled on. Mix well and drizzle over the tomatoes and cheese. Sprinkle a small amount of salt on the tomatoes if desired.