Cheese of the Month: Mozzarella by Maplebrook farm

Maplebrook Farm was founded in 2003 when Johann Englert discovered a shop in Manchester, Vermont that sold mozzarella the reminded her of the mozzarella she enjoyed when on a trip to Italy. She was living in Boston at the time. She began buying the mozzarella balls and eventually the shop owner’s son and Johann began their business, now located in Bennington, Vermont.

Maplebrook is a major producer of artisanal cheese on the east coast, employing about 20 cheesemakers who are trained in old-world cheese-making techniques.

Maplebrook Fresh Mozzarella is made daily with rBGH-free and rBST-free milk and vegetable rennet. For the past 7 years, Maplebrook has made all of their cheeses with the milk from a single dairy farm…a very big achievement for a cheese-making operation of their size. This is significant because the milk is cleaner, both in its flavor and hygiene, and the cheeses are more consistent in the quality and fat content (4 - 4.4% depending on the season). Maplebrook Fresh Mozzarella is produced by “stretching” cow’s milk curd into small balls. The stretching process involves kneading and pulling the curd until it is like a dense dough. It is mild and milky yet moist and dense with a tender bite.

Mozzarella, including Maplebrook Fresh Mozzarella, is both a seasonal and any time food. It is featured in cold-weather dishes such as bake ziti, lasagna, and chicken or eggplant Parmesan.

In warm weather, it is best highlighted by serving with fresh tomatoes and basil and drizzled with balsamic vinegar. Add a crusty baguette and a glass of cool white wine, and you have a simple but delicious meal that is a marriage of Vermont goodness and Italian tradition!

Pair Maplebrook Fresh Mozzarella with white wines such as Sauvignon Blanc, Pino Grigio or champagnes, or rosé/light reds such as Dry Rosé or Pino Noir. It also pairs well with light crisp pilsners or lager beers.

Other suggestions:

• Serve Maplebrook Fresh Mozarella with cured meats, grilled or roasted

• vegetables or even summer stone fruits! Also available