Ep 6. Mozzarella and Magic

Extra Virgin is a cooking show that stars the hilarious Debi Mazar and her handsome husband, Gabriele Corcos. The show revolves around the couple as they cook up delicious Italian meals in their tiny Brooklyn kitchen.

In season 1 episode 6, titled "Mozzarella and Magic," Debi and Gabriele make a trip to Campagna, Italy to visit the famous cheese maker, Luigi 'Gigi' Maresca, who teaches the couple how to make real mozzarella cheese. They experience the traditional way of making mozzarella cheese and get to work their magic themselves.

The episode starts with Debi and Gabriele driving through the beautiful countryside of Italy to Campagna. As Gabriele drives, Debi expresses her love for the Italian landscape, and the couple talk about their love for cheese. They arrive at Gigi's cheese factory, where they are greeted by him. They take a tour of the facility, and Gigi shows them how mozzarella is made.

Gigi is passionate about making mozzarella cheese using traditional methods passed down from his family. He explains the science behind the cheese-making process and how different factors like temperature and humidity play a vital role in creating the perfect texture. Debi and Gabriele are fascinated by the process and eagerly want to learn more.

After the tour, Gigi takes the couple to his farm, where they get to see the buffaloes that produce the milk used to make mozzarella cheese. They learn that buffaloes are the only animals that produce milk with enough fat content to make mozzarella cheese.

The couple then get their hands dirty and start making mozzarella cheese themselves. Gabriele is fascinated by the process and excitedly starts kneading and stretching the cheese. Debi, on the other hand, is a little intimidated by the process, but with Gigi's guidance, she too gets the hang of it.

After making the cheese, Debi and Gabriele head back to Brooklyn, where they decide to make a Caprese salad, using the mozzarella cheese they made in Italy. Gabriele slices ripe tomatoes while Debi tears fresh basil leaves to garnish. They finish the dish with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of salt, creating a simple yet mouthwatering dish.

The episode ends with Debi and Gabriele enjoying the Caprese salad and reminiscing about their trip to Campagna. They talk about how the experience taught them to appreciate the labor and love that goes into making mozzarella cheese.

In conclusion, "Mozzarella and Magic" is a delightful episode that takes the viewers on a journey to the countryside of Italy, where they get to learn about the traditional way of making mozzarella cheese. Debi and Gabriele's passion for Italian food is evident throughout the episode, and their chemistry and humor make it a pleasure to watch.