Mozzarella Sticks

I LOVE Mozzarella sticks.  I hadn't ever thought of making my own. I found this recipe on thepioneerwoman.com.  

• 16 pieces String Cheese, Removed From Wrappers
• ½ cups All-purpose Flour
• 2 whole Eggs
• 3 Tablespoons Milk
• 2 cups Panko Bread Crumbs (I used crushed corn flakes)
• 1 Tablespoon Dried Parsley Flakes
• Canola Oil, For Frying
• Marinara Sauce, For Dipping

Slice string cheese pieces in half, for a total of 32 pieces.

Place flour in a small bowl.

In a separate bowl, whisk eggs and milk.

In another separate bowl, combine panko bread crumbs with parsley flakes.

TO ASSEMBLE: One by one, roll mozzarella sticks in flour, then dunk in egg/milk mixture, then place in panko crumbs. Use your hand to sweep crumbs all over the mozzarella stick. Gently remove and place on a tray or cookie sheet. Repeat until all mozzarella sticks are coated.

***Place tray in freezer for 20 to 30 minutes to flash freeze.***

TO COOK: Heat 1 1/2 inches canola oil in a large skillet over medium heat. When hot, add mozzarella sticks 8 at a time. Watch closely and turn over to evenly brown, cooking less than 2 minutes. Do not allow cheese to bubble and leak.

Remove to a paper towel-lined plate.

Serve immediately with warm marinara sauce

Jalapeño Poppers

This recipe comes from our friends the Youngs. I didn't think I would like them because jalapeños are hot. But- they are SO good! If you cook them through the heat is mild.

Jalapeños
Cream Cheese
Bacon
toothpicks

Cut jalapeños in half and remove the seeds. I use kitchen gloves for this- it is hot! Fill each half with a spoonful of cream cheese. Wrap with 1/2 strip of bacon and secure with a toothpick. Grill.
Variation: Fill with Sausage and Mozzarella cheese mixed together.