Mozzarella Rye Snacks Food

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.

MOZZARELLA SALAD

Steps:

• Halve the mozzarella and tomatoes and combine in bowl with scallions and herbs. Dress salad with vinegar, olive oil and season with salt and pepper, to taste.

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.

MARINATED MOZZARELLA

Steps:

• In a shallow dish, fan mozzarella. Scatter sliced garlic around on mozzarella. Do the same with the red pepper flakes and the oregano. Sprinkle salt to taste and ground pepper over and around to taste. Drizzle olive oil over mozzarella. Let dish rest for one hour at room temperature for best flavor.

HOMEMADE MOZZARELLA

Steps:

• In a large pot, bring a gallon of water to a boil.
• In a large bowl, break up the mozzarella curd into small pieces. Coat the curd with 2 tablespoons of salt, and set aside.
• In another large bowl, salt the second gallon of water with the remaining salt and add as much ice as it can hold.
• This is where it gets a little tricky. Carefully pour the boiling water over the salted curd. As the curds begin to melt, carefully stir with a wooden spoon for 1 minute. Submerge both of your hands in the ice water for as long as you can stand it, because you're about to stretch the mozzarella in boiling hot water. The curd will have settled into the bottom of the bowl, and at this point you have to work quickly or risk over-cooking the curd.
• Dip your hands into the hot water and begin stretching the mozzarella. By stretching the cheese you insure that all the curds have completely melted. The curds will become incredibly soft and have buttery shine, and also, it smells wonderful. Form the mozzarella into tomato size balls, and then drop the mozzarella into the ice water to stop the cooking process. Work quickly, as the mozzarella will start to become rubbery the longer it sits in the hot water.
• Wrap each mozzarella ball tightly in plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator for up to a week.
• Serve the cheese with the best tomatoes you can find, really fresh basil, extra virgin olive oil, salt and fresh cracked pepper.

THE ART OF PULLING FRESH MOZZARELLA

Steps:

• In a 4 quart pot bring 2 quarts water to a boil. Pour in the salt and let dissolve. Slice the curd as thinly as possible and place in a large mixing bowl. Pour the hot water over the curd until it reaches about 1-inch over the curd.
• With a wooden spoon, begin moving the curd around until it begins to melt. Pour off the hot water and begin lifting the curd and pulling it gently to remove any fibers or bumps. Once the curd is smooth, begin shaping it into balls. Place the balls in the saline for 5 minutes. After 5 minutes remove the curd and place in 2 quarts of fresh water. Serve immediately. Keep at room temperature until finished using. Refrigerate the rest. Last up to 1 week.
• In a 4 quart pot, bring the water to a boil with the salt. When the salt is dissolved, cool the water down to use. Do not place the cheese into the hot saline.