Fresh Mozzarella & Mushrooms

From the first time I saw this dish last year on the cover of Issue 34 of Donna Hay Magazine, I've wanted to make it. The problem was that when the magazine came out, Traders Point Creamery had stopped making their fresh mozzarella for the year. Apparently the demand for the cheese declines quickly after the end of tomato season in Indiana and, according to the folks at the Creamery, the reduced non-seasonal market for the cheese simply doesn't merit further production.

For year round fresh mozzarella fans like me, that decision is understandable (no business owner wants to make a perishable product that can't be moved in a timely manner) but disappointing. If I could get that cheese year round,I'd use it on pizzas, lasagnas, paninis, serve it over a weetabix biscuit drizzled with local honey for breakfast, and a whole host of other things. 

Last week, I discovered that the mozzarella production had begun again at the Creamery. I could hardly wait to get home and make the recipe.The original one calls for cremini and portobello mushrooms, but Homestead Growers didn't have either of those at the market that day so I chose their beautiful shiitakes instead.

It was worth the wait. Cool creamy cheese, grilled crusty bread, sauteed mushrooms...all drizzled with warm oregano scented olive oil and just a hint of lemon...SIGH...! Served with a lemon and olive oil dressed salad, it's a delicious lunch. Cut into smaller portions, it becomes an appetizer or impressive first course.

Needless to say, I would love for the Creamery to offer this cheese year round just so I can make this dish on a frequent basis. So, I'm looking for recipes that will encourage others to think outside the "tomatoes, basil, olive oil, and mozzarella box". Maybe if enough of us start using it year round, there'll be a 4-season demand for the cheese and the Creamery will increase its availability. If you have a recipe that uses fresh mozzarella in a creative, easy to prepare, healthy dish, send it to me (in the body of an email--no attachments please) and I'll share some of them on this site.

You'll find the recipe for the Fresh Mozzarella and Mushroom Toasts in the Spring Recipes Section of this site. I just had it for lunch.OMG.Crazy good!