Mozzarella Sticks

Cometh Fall, I start to get all nostalgic.

I got in the mood for mozzarella sticks. Because I believe in homemade, I made homemade ones.

I started with a Giada DeLaurentiis recipe, but used some of my "short-cuts."

1 1/2 cups Italian style bread crumbs

1 1/3 cups grated Parmesan cheese, divided

1 teaspoon sea salt

4 large eggs, slightly beaten

2 blocks mozzarella cheese, cut into 2 in x 1/2 inch blocks*

1 1/2 cups vegetable oil

marinara sauce, either store bought or your own recipe

Combine bread crumbs, 1 cup cheese and salt in a bowl.

Dip cheese sticks into egg, then dredge in bread crumb mixture. Repeat for a second time (you want to coat them twice with bread crumbs)

Place on baking sheet, cover and freeze for 2 hours and up to 2 days.

Heat oil until a water droplet sizzles. Fry cheese sticks until golden brown, drain on paper towels.
Serve with sauce.

*Lazy? I used mozzarella snack sticks. I cut them in half to get 2 inches.

EDIT: Do not think you can try and healthify these...and bake 'um. They are best fried.