Fresh Mozzarella Antipasti Food

FRESH MOZZARELLA BALLS

Steps:

• Add 2 tablespoons salt to 4 cups simmering water.
• Chop the cheese curd and add to a large bowl. Pour the simmering water over the chopped curds.
• Use 2 wooden spoons to push the curds together to make one ball. Move the ball around in the water for roughly 1 minute so it can become pliable.
• While wearing thick dishwashing gloves, remove the curd from the water and pull it into a long cord and fold it back onto itself. Do not overwork the cheese or it will become tough.
• Pinch off the mozzarella to create balls and tuck the end under each ball for a neat appearance.
• Place the mozzarella into a bowl of cool water.
• Store in the salted water you used to soften the curd.

FRESH MOZZARELLA

Steps:

• In a large stock pot add the water and enough kosher salt until it tastes like saltwater. Bring the water to a simmer and remove from heat.
• While waiting for water to boil, the mozzarella curd needs to be shaved with a sharp knife into thin layers and set aside in a large bowl.
• When water is ready, ladle over the shaved curd, just enough to cover. Allow curd to warm before you begin forming your mozzarella. Using a wooden spoon, stir the mixture until the curd begins to pull (you should have a string like effect). Work quickly with the curd to achieve a consistent silken texture. Hold the cheese in the bowl with wooden spoon and pour off excess water. Take the cheese in your hands and begin to fold under itself creating a round shape of desired size. Pinch between your thumb and index finger, place fresh mozzarella in a bowl of cool water, continue this process until all the fresh mozzarella is formed.

MAKING FRESH MOZZARELLA CHEESE

Steps:

• In a large stock pot, add the water. Add enough salt to the water until it tastes like saltwater. Bring the temperature of the water up to about 120 to 130 degrees, until the touch of the water is like hot bath water. Place a colander in the water. Crumble the cheese curd into the water. 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. It is like you are pulling taffy. 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. The cheese can either be stored in salted water or rolled in plastic wrap. If you want to flavor the cheese, add the flavorings during the pulling process. Rub your hands with the herbs and garlic and work them into the cheese.

TOMATO AND MOZZARELLA ANTIPASTO

Steps:

• Place cheese in bowl.
• Combine tomatoes, olives and basil with vinegar.
• Toss with cheese and pour enough oil over all just to coat.
• Grind pepper on top.
• Can be served immediately or stored, covered in refrigerator up to two days.