The Gift

© 2008 – Miss 'N Nick Design Collection

Sometimes you are given a special gift. One that, in just looking at the box, is almost pleasure enough. Just holding it, wondering or maybe even having a pretty good inkling of what's inside, is half of the joy. Picture a little familiar looking blue box with a white bow. It in itself would make a handsome decoration on your dressing table. You know the one. While I have only had a couple in my life, the signature light blue is enough to delight. The color has a feeling of beauty and promise.

And so it was when I beheld the beautiful "gift" that Marie, the Proud Italian Cook, showcased a little while back. Ever since I saw it, I knew I had to have one too. I looked at a couple markets to no avail. And then the day came. I was near Whole Foods. Marie got hers there. I did too.

While the "gift" I found was not in the same fancy outer wrapper that Marie acquired, when I set it gently on the plate, I knew I had only seen the surface. Inside was the true gift. As with the little blue boxes I have received, I simply looked at my pristine, white, handformed looking ball for a while. Next to the tomatoes and basil it sat so daintily. The colors calling out Italy and late afternoon sunshine in a Tuscan garden. I added olives, organic ciabbata bread and a dish with olive oil and balsamic. It was beautiful!

My very own little ball of Buratta cheese! I was almost afraid to open it up. It was just so perfect. But alas, I had to see what was inside. The soft outer shell of fresh mozzarella cheese broke slowly apart to reveal the creamy marscapone which began to ooze out from the center. I took a little wedge and smeared it endearingly onto my bread. The first bite had to be free of other flavors. Into my mouth it went and seemed to just melt down my throat. I took a sip of wine then gingerly spread a little more on the bread. This time adding the tomato and basil. Another taste. Sheer heaven! This is NO ordinary cheese. It is precious and beautiful and mild yet stands out of the crowd. It IS a special treat.

Now Marie, I do not know whether to thank you for your post and the introduction to the Burrata, or berate you for getting me to fall in love with yet another costly and somewhat fattening delicacy! But in all seriousness, I am soooo grateful. For me, THIS is a perfect meal. A perfect little gift!

Speaking of gifts.... I am bringing a ton of this Burrata cheese over to Susan for her virtual SGCC 1 year Blogiversary Bash! It is not a difficult recipe but but a gift of my new favorite cheese along with tomatoes and basil from my garden. Congratulations Susan! Thanks for the invite. It's going to be a great party!