Better-than-storebought Mozzarella Sticks

Description: You'll never buy frozen mozzarella sticks again! These are easy and absolute delicious with none of the unhealthy additives of the commercial kind. I serve these with my own Angie's Bella Marinara sauce (with the spices punched up a little), but these would also be good with a creamy ranch-style dip. Vary the herbs in the breading if you like, but I like this combination with the marinara sauce.

Ingredients:

• 6 pieces mozzarella string cheese, each cut in half.
• 1 egg, beaten
• 2 tablespoons water
• 3/4 cup plain breadcrumbs (like Progresso)
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic salt
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/3 cup flour
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 pinch salt
• 1 pinch black pepper
• vegetable oil, for deep frying (approximately 2 cups)

Steps:

1. In a small bowl, combine egg and water.
2. In a separate bowl, combine bread crumbs, garlic salt, oregano and basil.
3. In a third bowl, combine flour and cornstarch.
4. In a large heavy saucepan, heat oil to 375 degrees F.
5. Moisten each mozzarella stick half in the egg mixture, then dip each one in the bread crumbs and finally the flour mixture.
6. Repeat this 3-step process.
7. By now your fingers are going to be a total mess; just hang in there, it's sooooo worth it!
8. Carefully place breaded mozzarella sticks in the hot oil; don't overcrowd (only about 4 at a time).
9. Fry until golden brown, about 30 seconds.
10. Remove from oil with a slotted spoon or tongs and drain on paper towels.