LITTLE SILVER — Fresh, small-batch, artisan mozzarella cheese is a favorite at Sickles Market throughout the year, but in the summer months this popular and versatile Italian cheese reaches an all-time high.
Mozzarella complements summer Jersey produce or it can be enjoyed by itself. Mozzarella is a fresh cheese that requires no aging. In the summertime, the cheese has a deeper, milky taste.
Bob Sickles, third-generation owner and the son of a farmer, says summer preparation for mozzarella should center around the less-is-more method of preparations to showcase the cheese’s flavor and to also make it easier on busy lifestyles when entertaining.
Mozzarella makes summer entertaining easy too. It is always accessible, works well with other flavors, adds beautiful color to any platter and can be served in a communal style, making it the perfect cheese for fuss-free, yet impressive entertaining.
“Mozzarella is one of my favorite cheeses, especially in the summer when the flavor is at its peak,” said Sickles. “It is a beautiful cheese in flavor, texture and presentation. It can stand on its own with some very good extra virgin olive oil … and a chiffonade of fresh basil leaves and generous sprinkling of sea salt and fresh cracked pepper.”
Sickles Market’s artisan mozzarella cheese is exclusively provided to the market by a local, family-owned Italian specialty store, Gianni’s Italian Specialty Food, in Atlantic Highlands, which delivers the cheese daily to Sickles Market. For more information, visit www.sicklesmarket.com.