Catholic Recipe: Buffalo Mozzarella

Also Called: Insalata Caprese (pronounced, “Ka-Pray-zeh,” and not “Ka-Preez”)

Pope Benedict XVI enjoys buffalo mozzarella cheese. The texture of this cheese, especially if it’s fresh, is so silky smooth that it is perfect for salads, pizza, or just eating whole on its own. I’m sure you know how to make Caprese Salad, but this week, you may want to consider making it for your family as a great way to bring up the topic of the Holy Father with your family. You can present this beautiful dish to your family and say, “Did you know that the Pope loves this type of cheese?” Then, you can ask your children, your spouse – and don’t forget to ask yourself – dinner questions, such as: “Why do you think the Pope is important to the Church?” “If you were Pope, how much time do you think you would devote to prayer?” “Do you ever pray for the Pope?” So, go ahead and try this typical Italian salad, most enjoyed in the spring and summer season, and enjoy the conversations that can come from it! While you’re at it, toast the Pope with BOGO’s fine Pinot Grigot – an excellent wine pairing for an excellent Papal recipe tribute!

DIRECTIONS

Cut the tomato and the mozzarella cheese each into four individual slices. On a plate, layer tomato, slice of cheese, basil leaf, and repeat. Drizzle approximately 2–4 teaspoons of extra virgin olive oil. Sprinkle ½–1 teaspoon of salt over the salad. Add a couple cracks of fresh ground black pepper. OPTIONAL: add a wedge of lemon for a person to squeeze the juice over the salad if desired!

NOTE: You can also put these ingredients between two slices of Italian Bread, lightly buttered or lightly sprayed with nonstick spray. Put bread on a Panini press or grill pan and cook for a few minutes on both sides. This is a traditional and tasty Italian version of a cheese and tomato sandwich. If it’s good enough for the Pope, it’s good enough for the family.

Buffalo Mozzarella can be found in the specialty cheese section of your local supermarket. Also, be careful not to get a tomato that is too mushy as it will ruin the texture of the dish.