Mozzarella Cheese

Mozzarella (moht-suh,REHL-lah) is a dream of a cheese and very versatile in uses plus very varied in taste and form. When you see Mozzarella being made, it is reminiscent of watching taffy being pulled at the County Fairs. The curd is actually dipped into hot water and stretched until the cheesemaker is satisfied with its consistency. You will see the freshest Mozzarella made in to balls (covered in liquid to preserve it) or you can find smoked Mozzarella tied in beautiful knots. This cheese is a dream of a cheese and a dream with Chianti.

The most epicurean form of Mozzarella, Mozzarella di Bufala, is made from the milk of the Asian Water Buffalo. This gigantic strong animal was brought to Italy some say in the Roman days. The Mozzarella made from their milk became a daily luxury. Today there is also marvelous Fresh Mozzarella available made from cow? milk. And for those who crave the original, water buffalo are now even being raised in states such as Vermont.

Try some Fresh Mozzarella simply drizzled with Tuscan olive oil, a short grind of pepper and a nice big gulp of Nipozzano Chianti Rufina. The wine will bring out complex flavors of the cheese and the cheese will bring out expanded flavor profiles in the wine. This combination is one of those perfect marriages. Now, properly execute The Cheese Highway?with your friends and family and enjoy these taste sensations.

You could also enjoy Fresh Mozzarella with Nipozzano Chianti Rufina with the olive oil, pepper and then add a few drops of aged Balsamic Vinegar…you will experience additional tastes to savor.

The Mozzarella many are most familiar with is the harder preserved cheese used on pizzas. This cheese is fine for this use although I prefer the fresh version. Try to find Fresh Mozzarella…it will be well worth you efforts. Famed cheesmaker, Paula Lambert fell in love with the fresh Mozzarella from Italy and founded the Mozzarella Company in Dallas, Texas. Paula? Mozzarella is now available in many cheese and specialty grocery stores all over the country. Look for it and you will fall in love too. Enjoy!