Posted by: Mimi Hiller 08-10-99 6:36 PM
Buffalo Mozzarella Roll
3 Lbs Buffalo (fresh) mozzarella Cheese (with packing milk)
6 to 8 Oz. Sundried Tomatoes in Olive Oil (drained)
1 Can Kalamata Olives
5 to 6 Cloves Garlic
1 Bunch Fresh Basil
2 T Balsamic vinegar
Place packing milk and mozzarella cheese balls into a large bowl on top of a pan of simmering water (double boiler) to heat (melt/soften).
While cheese is heating, seed and chop (mince or dice) Kalamata Olives and set aside.
Drain oil from sundried tomatoes and process with garlic and balsamic vinegar to a fine mince and set aside.
Chiffanade or mince basil leaves and set aside.
Watch mozzarella as it heats and cut softened pieces with a wooden spatula to expose still cool centers of balls, and turn or fold.
The object is to heat all cheese to a very soft consistency but not fully melted;
approximately 160 to 170 degrees F.
When cheese is soft and there are no hard clumps pour off as much milk as possible, and pour cheese into parchment lined jelly roll pan.
Put another piece of paper on top and roll out with rolling pin or press with your palm to an even thickness about 1/8 to 1/4 inch.
Pour off any excess packing milk.
Working quickly with a pastry spreader or spatula, spread garlic-tomato mixture, leaving about 2" on end without mixture.
Sprinkle olives and basil over tomato mixture and give it a nice grind of pepper.
Pull up end of parchment paper and begin rolling cheese into a log from longest side.
Roll as tightly as possible and mold (squeeze) ends shut; more milk or oil may run out.
Place roll seam side down, cover with plastic and store in fridge overnight on jelly roll pan.
When fully set slice into 1/2 inch slices and serve.
Remember this is a soft cheese and you will need a very sharp knife or with a length of dental floss.
Caution this log will be somewhat soft just as cheese is.
If you are transporting it wrap it in double foil as it is delicate.