In its ongoing quest to be the premiere purveyor of fresh mozzarella cheese, the wonderful well known Liberty, NY-based Formaggio Italian Cheese Specialties, Inc. www.formaggiocheese.com) purchases two truckloads of fresh produce weekly.

"We’re constantly experimenting to create new products" explains Chef Anthony Mongiello; whose father Angelo invented the first mozzarella-making machine in the U.S. and whose own personal goal is to "teach people to be cheese connoisseurs".

Fresh mozzarella cheese is a great addition to winter menus, but a key secret to its enjoyment "is to never eat it cold" says Mongiello. "When you eat it at 58 degrees or higher, the butter fats liquefy for better flavor." Formaggio offers consumers mozzarella "rolls" that pair their high butterfat cheese wrapped around other delicious ingredients such as sun dried TOMATOES and pesto, crushed GARLIC, Capicola and BASIL and a veggie mix of CARROTS and SPINACH. "People love the surprise in the middle when they cut the roll into slices."

The creamy texture and mild flavor of fresh mozzarella cheese makes it the perfect ingredient for salads. Try pairing slices with CHERRY TOMATOES and fresh BASIL with an olive-oil dressing. Or pair mozzarella balls with grilled CHILES dressed with a BASIL, olive oil and LEMON juice combination.

Even legendary crooner Frank Sinatra loved mozzarella cheese – among his favorite dishes was EGGPLANT Parmegiana, layers of sliced EGGPLANT, Parmesan cheese, TOMATO sauce and Mozzarella cheese baked until tender.

Try Mozzarella in a healthy VEGETABLE lasagna, layered with ONIONS, MUSHROOMS, BROCCOLI, OLIVE, OREGANO, BASIL and TOMATO sauce. A slice of fresh mozzarella also dresses up any panini sandwich.

And for brunch, mix a blended of shredded Mozzarella, Fontina, gruyere and ricotta cheeses as a four-cheese filling for crepes! Or add Mozzarella bits along with SPINACH and MUSHROOMS to egg scrambles.

HASS AVOCADOS are an excellent value this week, perfect for adding color and flavor to salads and sandwiches.

KIWIFRUIT, rich in Vitamin C, is plentiful at economical prices.

RED DELICIOUS APPLES are among the many APPLE varieties in steady supply at moderate prices, including GRANNY SMITH, GALA and HONEYCRISP. Baked APPLES served warm with vanilla sauce or heavy cream are a perfect comfort food for winter nights.

MINNEOLA TANGELOS, NAVEL ORANGES and LIMES are among the best values in the CITRUS FRUIT bin this week.

Specialty CITRUS FRUIT now in season include BLOOD ORANGES, KEY LIMES, KUMQUATS, PUMMELOS and ORO BLANCOS.

ROMA TOMATOES are holding steady at very economical prices.

SEEDLESS WATERMELON is in plentiful supply at moderate prices.

Fresh GINGER is in steady supply and a soothing ingredient to add to tea to combat the winter sniffles.

California PISTACHIO NUTS are in plentiful supply and make a delicious carry-with snack.

RED SEEDLESS GRAPES are in steady supply from Chilean sources and prices are moderate.

BOSC PEARS, also called the "winter" variety PEAR, have decreased in price with volume plentiful.

MANGOS continue to be plentiful at very affordable prices.

Fresh PINEAPPLE from Hawaii is in steady supply, with prices decreasing.

Quality is excellent on BLUEBERRIES and RASPBERRIES from off-shore sources.

ICEBERG LETTUCE is plentiful and one of the most economical VEGETABLE values this week. Salad toppings in steady supply include CARROTS, RADISHES, GREEN ONIONS, JICAMA, MUSHROOMS, SPROUTS, CUCUMBERS and CELERY.

WHITE and RED ROSE POTATOES are an excellent value this week. Try a combination of the two with skins on for a winter POTATO salad served hot.

ITALIAN RED ONIONS have decreased in price. Raw rings are delicious served atop grilled hamburgers or dip in tempura batter and fry as an appetizer course.

GREEN BEANS continue to be an excellent value, a rich source of dietary fiber.

Enjoy them raw in salads or steamed lightly and served with a LEMON-butter sauce.

SWEET POTATOES provide a nice side-dish change of pace. Bake and serve with a GINGER-honey glaze.

RED BELL PEPPERS are in steady supply. Roast, puree and use to create a zesty vinaigrette dressing that’s perfect for ASPARAGUS, BROCCOLI or GREEN BEANS.

GREEN CABBAGE is an economical value; prepare it stuffed and baked.

Fresh CHILE PEPPERS continue in plentiful supply.

TURNIPS, RUTAGABAS, PARSNIPS and BEETS are all good choices for roasting as side dishes to beef or chicken.

ROSES, CARNATIONS, MUMS and DAISIES continue to be the best values in cut arrangements, with TULIPS and IRIS the latest floral arrivals. Potted MUMS, MINIATURE ROSES and HYDRANGEA are in good supply, with IVY and DIFFENBACHIA good values in hanging plants.

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