Recipe: Mozzarella Fritters (fried mozzarella sticks)

MOZZARELLA FRITTERS

"Tony Casillo's supremely appetizing alternative to frozen factory made mozzarella sticks."

4 large eggs
Salt
All-purpose flour
1 cup dried bread crumbs
1 pound fresh mozzarella cheese, drained and cut into 2- x 3/4-inch strips
Sunflower oil for frying

Beat the eggs in a shallow bowl with a pinch of salt.

Place the flour on a plate and the bread crumbs on another plate.

One by one, dip each cheese strip in the flour and then in the eggs, shaking off excess flour and letting excess egg drip back into the bowl. Then dip into the bread crumbs, covering completely with the crumbs. Set aside the cheese strips to dry.

WHEN YOU ARE READY TO FRY:
Heat 1/4-inch oil in a large skillet over high heat until it reaches 350 degrees F, or until a 1/2-inch cube of bread browns in 30 seconds.

Working in batches, if necessary, to avoid overcrowding, fry as many cheese strips as will fit in a single layer until golden, about 3 minutes. Turn over and fry the other sides until golden, about 3 minutes longer. Remove from the skillet and drain on paper towels. Add more oil to the skillet, if necessary, and continue until all the cheese strips are fried.

TONY'S TIP FOR FRYING CHEESE:
It's important to make sure cheese is completely covered when it is fried; otherwise it will melt and leak into the oil, which will produce a strong smell.

Makes 4 servings
Source: Tony Casillo's Family Cookbook by Tony Casillo