Mozzarella Cheese Sticks

Here's a delicious recipe to try. It takes a little bit of time, and can be messy, but believe me, these cheese sticks rival any you'll eat at a restaurant. So good!

2 eggs
1/4 cup water
1 1/2 cups Italian-style bread crumbs
1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
1/2 teaspoon seasoned salt
2/3 cup flour
1/3 cup cornstarch
oil for frying
16 oz Mozzarella cheese sticks

In medium bowl, combine eggs and water, whisking until frothy. On a large plate, pour out the bread crumbs. On a second plate, stir in garlic salt, and seasoned salt with the flour and cornstarch.

Line a baking sheet with waxed paper. Prepare cheese sticks in the following 5 steps:

1) Coat cheese sticks in flour mixture.
2) Dip in egg mixture to cover.
3) Coat again in flour mixture, making sure cheese is covered completely.
4) Dip once more in egg mixture.
5) Coat in bread crumbs, covering completely, and pressing in with fingers. (At this time, your fingers may get really messy. That's okay. Just rinse them off and continue on.)

Set on prepared baking sheet. Repeat with all cheese sticks. Place baking sheet in freezer for 20 minutes. Deep fry cheese sticks 2-3 at a time, cooking for 30-40 seconds until deep golden brown. (Remove if cheese starts to splatter in oil.) Serve warm with Mariana Sauce. Makes 12 sticks. 

Wine Recommendation: Kendall-Jackson Vitner's Reserve Chardonnay 2012
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