I have a super secret ingredient that you will love!

My super secret ingredient is something I call LIQUID GOLD! Imagine, olive oil with herbs and spices marinating in it! …and some people are just throwing it away! Can you believe it!

The “liquid gold” I’m referring to is the olive oil and herbs and seasoning that marinated fresh mozzarella balls are packed and sold in. BelGioioso brand Fresh Mozzarella – Marinated, is my favorite. Galbani has a version and Trader Joe’s sells some that is also amazing. Sometimes it’s called Mozzarella Ball Salad. Look for it where they sell the “fresh” mozzarella balls, pearls or logs or the specialty cheese section. You will want to find it at your local grocery, like Kroger, Meijer or a big box store like Costco. BelGioioso’s website has a locator you can punch your zipcode into and find it, hopefully in your area. I buy it whenever I can find it because it seems to sell out fast.

Use the mozzarella balls on pizzas, in caprese salads, on pasta or serve them up right out of the olive oil! They are delicious! When the mozzarella is gone, DO NOT THROW AWAY THE LEFTOVER OIL! Use that “liquid gold” on your zoodles, toasted bread, pasta, drizzle some on steamed veggies, top your pizzas with them… Why not, you paid for it! There’s no digging in the spice cabinet, just drizzle it on right out of the tub!

I’ve even added more olive oil, salt & pepper and sometimes grated Parmesan cheese to it. When I’m done with the mozzarella, sometimes I stick the container in the freezer. It won’t last forever in the refrigerator because the cheese was in there. The cheese can go rancid past the expiration date. It’s nice to have on hand for a quick veggie grill!

I like to slice up some eggplant, squash and zucchini and brush some on then grill them. I freeze them tightly wrapped in single layers to have during the winter, or if I’m too tired to cook.

Example of the Mozzarella, but this link on Amazon is oddly priced at a whopping $39!!!

I hope you find some liquid gold and grill up some veggies today! If so, find me on Instagram and #ebookfoodie so I can see how they turned out!

What are you cooking up with your fresh veggies this summer? I’d love to hear from you! Have you been throwing away your liquid gold? Or have you ever tried the marinated mozzarella balls?