FRIED MOZZARELLA WITH PUTTANESCA DIPPING SAUCE

Steps:

• Pat the mozzarella dry, making sure there is no water on the surface, and set aside.
• Place the flour in a shallow dish.
• Mix together the milk and eggs and place in a shallow bowl.
• Stir together the bread crumbs, Essence, and salt and place in a shallow dish.
• Heat vegetable oil about 1 1/2 inches deep, in a heavy saucepan or deep-fryer over medium-high heat to 325 to 330 degrees F.
• Dredge the mozzarella in the flour, shaking off any excess flour.
• Dip in the egg mixture and then the bread crumbs.
• Place mozzarella in hot oil and cook for 1 to 1 1/2 minutes, or until golden brown.
• Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
• Allow the mozzarella to stand for 3 to 5 minutes before serving, to allow the cheese to melt the entire way through.
• Serve warm on skewers or fondue forks with Puttanesca Dipping Sauce.
• To make the dipping sauce:.
• In a medium pot heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
• Add the onion and saute until soft and lightly caramelized, about 5 minutes.
• Add garlic and cook an additional 2 minutes.
• Add the tomatoes and the remaining ingredients and simmer until the sauce is thickened and slightly reduced, about 20 minutes.
• Add salt to taste, cover and set aside.
• Serve sauce warm or at room temperature.
• Enjoy!
• Yield: about 3 cups To make the Essence:.
• Combine all ingredients thoroughly.
• Yield: 2/3 cup.