Fried Mozzarella Sticks

These are easy and fun to make. Have your children help you make these or even your friends, everyone will love these fresh made mozzarella sticks. 

• 1 lb block low moisture mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup flour 
• 3 eggs, beaten 
• 3 cups dry bread crumbs
• Vegetable Oil for frying
• Marinara sauce for
  serving
  

Directions: 

1. cut the mozzarella into finger shaped pieces. Roughy 1/2 inch square and then the length of the block
2. working with one piece of cheese at a time, coat the cheese with flour. Shake off excess flour.
3. dip the cheese into the eggs and lift out and let the excess egg drip off.
4. coat the cheese with the breadcrumbs. 
5. dip the cheese into the egg a second time.
6. coat the cheese with the bread crumbs a second time. 
7. place the sticks in your freezer and allow them to completely freeze
8. heat two inches of oil in a pot to 350F. 
9. fry the cheese sticks for 2 to 3 minutes. They are done when they look golden brown. 
10. drain the sticks on a paper towel.
11. serve with warmed marinara sauce.
    

Here are some tips to make it very easy

1. If you use fresh mozzarella instead of low moisture mozzarella dry the cheese in paper towels after slicing it.
2.  You can add any herbs, spices or Romano cheese to the bread crumbs to flavor them. 
3. When breading the sticks use the wet hand, dry hand technique. Which means one hand is used only for the egg and the other hand only works with the flour and bread crumbs. This will keep you from breading your fingers! 
4.  If you do not have a thermometer then just sprinkle some bread crumbs into the oil when it seems hot. If they sizzle in the oil without burning then you are ready. 
5. Fry the sticks in batches with plenty of room between each stick. This will insure that you have a crunchy crust that is not greasy.

– Daniel Mancini