AWESOME FRIED CHEESE STICKS

AWESOME FRIED CHEESE STICKS image

Provided by Ellen Bales @Starwriter

Number Of Ingredients 17

2 - eggs, beaten
1/4 cup(s) water
1-1/2 cup(s) seasoned bread crumbs
1/2 teaspoon(s) salt
1/2 teaspoon(s) pepper
2/3 cup(s) all purpose flour
1/3 cup(s) cornstarch
1 quart(s) oil for deep frying
1 package(s) (24) mozzarella string cheese sticks
MARINARA SAUCE:
2 can(s) (14-1/2 oz.) diced tomatoes, drained, reserving liquid
1 can(s) (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
1 cup(s) diced onion
1 tablespoon(s) dried basil
2 teaspoon(s) italian seasoning
2 tablespoon(s) sugar
1/2 teaspoon(s) crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Steps:

In a small bowl, mix the eggs and water.
Mix the bread crumbs, salt and pepper in a medium bowl. In a separate medium bowl, blend the flour and cornstarch.
In a large heavy saucepan, heat the oil to 365º F (185ºC).
One at a time, coat each mozzarella stick in the flour mixture, then the egg mixture, then in the bread crumbs and finally into the hot oil.
Fry until golden brown, about 30 seconds. Remove from heat and drain on paper towels.
Let cool for 5-10 minutes. Serve with Marinara or your favorite Ranch dipping sauce. Refrigerate any leftovers.
MARINARA SAUCE: Saute the onions in a saucepan, careful not to let them brown.
Add the liquid drained from the diced tomatoes. Add basil, Italian seasonings, sugar and crushed red pepper. Simmer liquid and spices for about 30 minutes or until liquid is reduced by half.
Add the diced tomatoes and crushed tomatoes and cook just until heated, about 1 minute.
Serve as a dipping sauce with Awesome Fried Cheese Sticks.