If you would have told me, even 5 years ago, that I’d be excited about a new grocery store chain coming to the suburbs, I would have laughed. But the more I cook and expand my culinary horizons, I’m always looking for new places to find the best ingredients at reasonable prices.
Over the summer, word began to spread that Mariano’s was coming to Wheaton. People that had been to their other locations ranted and raved about the quality of produce and unique ingredients. Still others shared about the dining options available within the store itself. We all watched as construction began and then I started counting down the days until they opened. The posts of friends on Facebook indicated that parking was difficult due to the sheer number of people wanting to check Mariano’s out.
I wanted to experience it myself but allowed a few weeks to pass after they opened in hopes of avoiding the crowd. To celebrate a blog milestone, we headed out to Mariano’s for dinner and to check out the store. We had barbeque for dinner and I promise it’s the best barbeque I’ve had since moving to Illinois. There’s a sushi bar and gelato but even more amazing is the grill where you can have a burger or a steak prepared while you shop.
The produce is beautiful, even in the winter and the fresh herbs are the best selection I’ve seen in the area. We were hosting a dinner for our youth leaders and I needed a few special ingredients to complete the meal. I knew that Mariano’s would have what I needed and was close in proximity so we headed to the store.
To my children’s delight they both snagged a child size shopping cart. I was clearly out of my mind and allowed them to navigate the store. We were there at the lunch rush and the place was packed. Bennett was convinced that his cart was actually a bumper cart and was ramming shelves and displays. Blythe was complaining of hunger and was declining every option that I suggested for lunch. As we were at the bakery counter I saw a loaf of chopping block bread and declared it lunch.
My expectations were low as I opened the bag in the car. Yes, I always eat fresh bread on the way home from the store. I can’t help it! I mean how good could chopped bread with salami be? The answer is amazing! It’s simply a stuffed loaf of bread that’s been chopped into pieces and woven back together. It’s much easier than it sounds! I told my kids it was pizza bread and they both devoured theirs with a side of fruit. I ate more than I’m willing to publically admit and continued to crave this bread for weeks.
I finally decided to recreate it at home and I’m so glad that I did! My adorable little guy provided quality control and tested all the ingredients that went into the bread. I used a batch of pizza dough with salami, mozzerella and parmesean cheese and brushed it with garlic and herb infused butter before baking. In my book, this recipe is just as good as the original.
ingredients
1 batch frozen pizza dough (I use this recipe)
1/2 cup chopped salami
1/4 cup mozzarella, grated
2 Tbsp parmesan
2 Tbsp Butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp basil
1 tsp oregano
1/4 tsp thyme
kosher salt
instructions
- Preheat oven to 400. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Set aside.
- Roll dough into a large rectangle, about 12x18 inches. Sprinkle salami, mozzarella and parmesan down the middle 1/3 of the dough. Fold the two sides up over the filling and pinch the ends shut.
- Taking a serrated knife, cut the rolled dough into 1 inch diagonal slices then cut the whole length of dough down the center. (You will be cutting your diagonal slices in half.)
- Working with one piece at a time, transfer to parchment lined baking sheet. Overlap the pieces and gentlly press them together until it's formed a large, interwoven loaf.
- Melt butter in a small saucepan. Add garlic, basil, oregano and thyme. Stir for 1 minute, until garlic is fragrant, then remove from heat. Brush or spoon the infused butter over the entire loaf. Sprinkle with kosher salt.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.
- Enjoy warm or at room temperature.
*This is not a sponsored post. I’m simply impressed with Mariano’s and wanted to share my positive experience.