Cheese sampling in Potsdam

The Potsdam Food Co-op's Cheese of the Month for August will be offered during their 2nd Thursday Sampling on August 8th. From 3:30 - 5:30 pm you will have the opportunity to sample Fresh Mozzarella; just in time for fresh local basil and tomatoes. Fresh Mozzarella, called mozzarella fresca in Italy where it originated, is an enormously popular cheese that was first made with the milk of the water buffalo. Today, most fresh mozzarella is made from pasteurized cow's milk, which gives it its creamy white color. This cheese has a delicate, slightly elastic texture and a milky mild flavor. Because it is fresh rather than aged, it is normally packed in water and is best when consumed at room temperature within 2 or 3 days. Pair fresh mozzarella with ciders, fruit beers, or pilsners. It is also delicious with wines such as Chianti, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc, Beaujolais, Pinot Gris, or with champagne. Suggestions: Combine slices of fresh mozzarella with sliced tomatoes, fresh basil, and olive oil for a Caprese salad, cube it into green salads, use in paninis, or to top pizzas, flatbreads, or crostini. Serve it with roasted eggplant slices, red bell peppers, and basil, and drizzle with balsamic vinegar. Fresh mozzarella is also good with cured meats, melon, and grapes. The Potsdam Food Co-op & Carriage House Bakery is located at 24 Elm Street and open daily from 8am to 7pm. It is a member-owned cooperative grocery store (although membership is not required) where everyone is welcome to shop and anyone is welcome to join. Committed to the community and local sustainability, its emphasis is on providing natural and organic foods with the practice of buying from local and regional growers and producers. Signature artisan breads, scones, and treats available on the Co-op shelves daily, are made in its Carriage House Bakery and baked in its wood-fired oven. Salads, sandwiches, wraps, and soups from the Co-op?s natural foods Deli are found in the grab & go section of the store. A large selection of specialty items such as gluten-free, dairy-free, vegetarian, and vegan foods are also available. For more information please call 315-265-4630 or visit www.PotsdamCoop.com, and follow on Facebook.