We are driving through the green hills of Caserta. It’s easy to get lost here: no gps signal and no road signs. Only locals on this road, and they are telling us to go straight …always. Easier said then done. We finally get to Caseificio Il Casolare where we meet master cheese maker, Mimmo La Vecchia [short for Domenico]. Mimmo has one of the best smiles I have ever seen. We meet his family: wife, son and daughter; they all work in the family business.
We are just in time. The fresh milk arrived; 100% buffalo milk from nearby farms. I make my way into the creamery where the fresh cheeses are still handmade. In a silent and disciplined manner the cheese makers transform the buffalo milk into ciliegine {cherries} and trecce {braids}. Mozzarella di Bufala‘s by product, sweet whey, is used as raw material for an exquisite Ricotta di Bufala.
Mimmo La Vecchia has been making artisan cheese for over 40 years. He walks out of his dairy carrying a handful of fresh mozzarellas. You are supposed to eat it with your hands. Delightful: creamy, fresh with a delicate note of saltiness.
As they say in Campania: ‘m’ piac’ a muzzarell’ ‘!
Caseificio Il Casolare: Via Olivella 12, Alvignano, T: +39 0823 610906
Further reading: official web page of Mozzarella di Bufala D.O.P.
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Sabino 16 October 2012
I love it !!!
m’ piac’ PARECCHIO ‘a muzzarell’ del caseificio il casolare !!
Vittorio Imperadore 17 October 2012
Mimmo La vecchia “autentico Casaro dell’alto casertano” e a muzzarella ebbona sapurita e originale di solo latte di bufala. altrimenti che bufala è.
Stephanie // artfullyadored 20 October 2012
This is beautiful! Makes me feel really connected to the people who work so hard to the foods we take for granted. Thank you for sharing!
Sofie Delauw 21 October 2012
A pleasure
& thank you, this is exactly the scope of the blog!
Phoebe 20 October 2012
My husband and I are raveling to Florence in mid December. I came across your blog looking for restaurant suggestions. Looking forward to checking out your suggestions. Your photos truly capture the beauty and light of the city! And they make hungry! Thank you!
Sofie Delauw 21 October 2012
Thank you Phoebe! So nice of you to leave this comment. I am hungry al the time
Sofie Delauw 21 October 2012
Thank you Phoebe! So nice of you to leave this comment. I am hungry all the time