? about smoked mozzarella ball

[danhole]

I bought one the other day and when I opened the package it has a thick skin on it. Am I supposed to trim that off or not?

[yumcha]

It should just be the brownish skin from smoking. I love it - it's got a ton of smoky flavor in it! If you're not a fan, you can always just cut it off.

[danhole]

I like the flavor, no doubt, but it is a bit like chewing on a smoked rubber band!

[Gingerleen]

I agree w/MMRuth, I believe that the skin is created by the smoking process. I use it for a grilled chicken cutlet parm recipe that I use w/a couple cans of fire roasted diced tomatoes. The family LOVES it!

[MMRuth]

I wouldn't worry about the thick skin - I think it is created by the smoking process. One of my favorite dishes to make with it is a risotto with tomato and basil, or a similar pasta. If you taste the "skin" and don't like it, I'd just slice it off as ElsieB suggests.

[ElsieB]

Maybe it is more aged than some smoked mozzarella. I buy mine from a family cheese place very nearby (North Haven, CT) and there is no real skin except that the outer layer is tannish/brown but it all melts the same. Try nuking a small piece to see if the skin part melts, if not then peel?

[danhole]

The skin doesn't melt, that's for sure! I'm not sure what to do with it, but I may try it melted in a turkey sandwich for lunch!