An evening at Jasper's

What an evening!!! Jasper didn't know we were coming, but the evening was our first out in many months. Christine said we needed a time away from Casa Somerset Vineyard.

When we arrived we went to the kitchen, where Jasper was preparing the evening's feast for his guests. He took time to seat us in the dining room. Jasper stayed and talked about food and Italy. Our good friend Hilary arrived, and Jasper picked a great wine for all of us. It was wonderful seeing Hilary, and the wine was magnifico!

Jasper told about his new fresh mozzarella tableside appetizer. He said it was quite a hit, and then he jumped up, got a demo table, and started making fresh mozzerella at our table. He brought a bowl of salted cheese curds and a pitcher of boiling water. Also on the cart were some beautiful heirloom tomatoes, fresh basil, and some balsamic glaze.

First, the water was poured over the curds and the mozzarella began to form. Jasper mixed it with his hands (in heavy gloves) and then began to work the protein in the cheese by kneading and pulling the cheese. He formed two round balls of fresh cheese. He poured balsamic on the tomatoes and added the fragrant basil. After that, he sliced the fresh made mozzarella and put it on top of the basil and tomatoes. He added more balsamic glaze to top it off.

After J made our appetizer, it seemed like everyone wanted to have the treat at their table Jasper III made the rounds taking the demo table to those tables preparing this treat! We had a great time watching a young man, Mac, there with his friend at the table next to us that was fasinated with the cheese being made at his table.

James Mirabile arrived for dinner with his wife Vickie and Miss Kansas and Miss Missouri . Jasper himself prepared the mozzarella appetizer at their table.

Jasper is the Cheese Ambassador for Wisconsin.

We ate all of the wonderful mozzarella and then our dinner, dessert, and a shot of Lemoncello.

Jasper III is going to share his Applecello recipe with me , Applecello cake coming upfor the fall season!!!