Grilled Smoked Mozzarella: Scamorza All Griglia

Yield: 4 servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Inactive Prep Time: 8 hours
Ease of preparation: intermediate

4 scamorza, or smoked mozzarella, 8 to 12 ounces each, cut in 1/2
1/4 cup best quality sun-dried tomatoes, cut into thin julienne
1/2 cup olio piccante, recipe follows
1 bunch fresh marjoram

Preheat the grill and oil it with an oil-soaked towel. If you don't have a grill, a nonstick saute pan will work in this case.

Place the pieces of scamorza cut side down on the hottest part of the grill and cook 5 to 6 minutes, until a dark golden brown skin forms. Gently turn scamorza and repeat on the rounded side.

Remove to a platter and sprinkle each with a few pieces of tomato. Drizzle with a bit of hot oil and place the bunch of marjoram in the center of the plate for each of the guests to pinch a little onto their portion.

Spicy Oil: Olio Piccante

2 cups extra-virgin olive oil
8 jalapenos, seeded and chopped into 1/8-inch dice
2 tablespoons red chili flakes
2 tablespoons paprika

Place oil, jalapenos, chili flakes, and paprika in a medium saucepan and place over medium heat. Heat to 175 degrees F, remove from heat and allow to cool.

Allow to stand overnight and strain out solids. This oil will last 3 weeks unrefrigerated in a cool and dark place.

Yield: approximately 2 cups