Melting Over Mozzarella Cheese

A meal with a gooey cheese pull has the ability to turn a dull dish into a delectable, enjoyable one. Mozzarella cheese is one of Italy’s most popular cheeses. You may know it as giving many Italian dishes that seductive stretch. Born in the small towns of Italy, mozzarella cheese is now used in dishes all over the world.

From the topping of your favorite pizza to the center of the Italian rice balls at your next get together, Sansone Market has enough Mozzarella to satisfy any cheese lover. For generations, Sansone Market has sold its customers the finest quality goods, while still keeping the Italian culture alive. A fresh addition to any meal is Sansone Markets very own homemade mozzarella cheese.

The Cheesy Beginning

There’s an old tale that says some cheese curds fell into a bucket of hot water and voilà, mozzarella cheese was born. Originated in Naples in the Campania region of Italy, Mozzarella dates back centuries. Originally people made mozzarella with buffalo milk. However, as buffalos became less common, the recipe changed over time. The recipe replaced the Buffalo milk with cow milk. Using cow milk maintains the mozzarellas soft texture and delicious taste.

The creation of the cheese we all know and love involves a series of stretching and cutting. After you immerse the cheese curds in hot water, you pull them until smooth.  You cut the stretched curds into balls all the while making sure not to over pull the curds, risking a chewy texture. This process was the inspiration for the name “Mozzarella”. The word “mozza” – derived from the word “mozzare” – in the Neapolitan dialect means “cut” referencing the cheese’s unique creation.

Sweet Dreams are made of Mozzarella Cheese

You can add mozzarella cheese to any meal and it will help bring your meal to the next level. Sansone Market offers online recipes that will have you drooling while making sure you’re using their homemade mozzarella the best way possible. Some mouthwatering favorites you should check out are the Tortellini & Sausage recipe which has shaved mozzarella on top and the Eggplant Parmesan recipe that will create that tantalizing cheese pull. No matter which one you choose, these recipes will leave your guests with the impression that you’re a pro in the kitchen. Perhaps you’re eager to make your own fresh mozzarella at home, Sansone Market has a recipe for that too:

Fresh Mozzarella

Preparation Guidelines

1. Curd Temperature: recommended internal curd temperature is 125 – 135 F. Gradually bring the curd up to 125-135 F for best results. Water temperatures between 165-175 F work well.

In a large stock pot, add the water. Add enough salt to the water until it tastes like saltwater. Place a colander in the water. Crumble the cheese curd into the water.

2. MIXING:

Only minimal stretching is required. Using a wooden spoon, stir the mixture until the curd starts to pull. Using your hands or a spoon, pull the cheese until it begins to hold shape. It’s like pulling taffy. Do not over pull the cheese because the end product will be rubbery. If the cheese hardens to soon, dip the cheese back in the water and repeat the pulling process. After the desired weight is achieved dip the cheese in an ice bath.

3. SALTING:

Add salt at any point in the preparation if desired. The cheese can either be stored in salted water or rolled in plastic wrap.

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People have been using mozzarella in Italian cuisine for centuries. Not only can you enjoy mozzarella by itself, but it can transform your dishes at home to gourmet meals.  Make your own fresh mozzarella and use it on a homemade margarita pizza – your guests will love. Or use Sansone Market’s fresh mozzarella sliced with tomatoes and top it off with a balsamic drizzle for the perfect caprese salad. However you choose to enjoy your mozzarella creation, Sansone Market has all the necessities you need to create meals just like Nonna used to make.