Monday, December 19, 2011

MISSION: Mozzarella Sticks

So anyone that knows me knows that I love mozzarella sticks. I mean LOVE!!! I have actually been a picky eater most of my life until about 6 years ago when I fell in love with Food Network and decided to start trying different foods and recipes. One thing that never changed in my new palette was cheese. Let alone fried cheese! How can you go wrong with that? I seriously don't think it is possible. Since I started cooking I have searched for the best recipe for these at home so I can match Chilis and Sonic (these are the two best in my opinion). Recently I decided to stop searching for recipes and come up with my own. I have been through dozens and they never were quite right. As much as I love Food Network, their recipes never quite compared to that greasy, melty, crispy sticks I love. Well, tonight - I have come to an end to this search. I am telling you this is the BEST mozzarella stick recipe out there. It is better than Chilis or Sonic or any other restaurant you can imagine. Not to mention super easy. You will never look again. If you are like me and love that deep fried salty cheese, this is the recipe for you. I will warn you this recipe is my own and as of right now I am not great at giving exact measurements - to be honest, this first recipe for the blog I meant to measure things but just forgot.....but if you make these pretty close to the instructions you will be pleased. Guaranteed!

Recipe

String Cheese ( cut in half according to how many mozzarella sticks you want)

All Purpose Flour

Cornstarch (this is KEY)

Eggs, beaten

Panko Breadcrumbs

Italian Breadcrumbs

Garlic Powder

Salt

Italian Seasoning (I did mine seperately and used basil, thyme, oregano and rosemary)

Parsley

Olive Oil to fry

Salt to finish (I used Sea Salt)

Fresh Parmesan to finish

Use 3 small pie pans or plates and divide flour and about 2 tablespoons of Cornstarach into the first, beaten eggs into the second and panko and breadcrumbs into the third. Use the 2:1 ratio panko being the 2.

Season every step. Season the flour with a little salt and pepper, the eggs with a little salt and add the italian seasoning and garlic powder to the panko/breadcrumb mixture. I used a big pinch of each. Maybe a little more garlic powder to add flavor.

Take each piece of cheese and dip in the flour/cornstarch mixture coating evenly followed by the egg and then coat well with the breadcrumbs.

Transfer to a plate that you can fit in the freezer and freeze all the sticks for at least 20 minutes.

Fry in Olive Oil and 350 degrees until golden brown and melty.

Sprinkle with sea salt and freshy grated parmesan cheese.

ENJOY!!!!!!!


Hello Friends!

So this is my first blog. I am a wife, new mommy and home cook connoisseur. I love everything about all three of these things. This is my first Christmas being married and being a mom. However,  juggling all of these tasks has taken some getting used to..... We finally put our tree up last Thursday. Yes, we put one up this late. We actually didn't even have one, ours is courtesy of the our wonderful neighbors and to makes things even better after I decorated the entire thing I realized that there was a big gap up top that was missing lights all together. Instead of fixing this problem I left the gap and to be honest, I still love our tree! It is our first one as a family and lights missing and all - it is perfect. So being a mommy so far to this little man is an adventure. He is 7, almost 8 weeks old now and I am still learning everyday. I have realized that I can read every book, article and Iphone update in the universe and there is no possible way of knowing is all or being prepared for what is going on with our little man. Lane is his own species as I am sure most moms in the world feel.... He started smiling a couple weeks ago and I will honestly say that alone made every tear and uncertainty worth it. I am cherishing every second of his life. I actually cried when he grew out of his newborn clothes. Pathetic, I know.........I already hate how quickly he is growing up but can't wait for every step! As we begin the holidays and our brand new life as a family I am happy to share these moments and memories with all of you! Stay tuned for fun stories, great home recipes and much more!

Little man's semi-smile from the first day!