IHCC February Potluck: Fried Mozzarella

It's potluck time again at I Heart Cooking Clubs!  Anything goes as long as it's from Giada.  Click the button to find out what everyone's bringing.

Isn't it the best when your significant other snuggles up close to you in the dark and whispers his/her deepest desires?

There's the thrill of possessing knowledge that no one else has.

There's the giddiness and maybe a few giggles over playing out how you can fulfill this wish.
Damn sexy if you ask me.

Late one night, pre-Boy, The Husband sat next to me on the couch.  It was dark...except for the seductive flicker of the tv (because we're romantic like that).  He looked me in the eye and softly said, "I really want something.  Can't get it out of my mind." 

Oh boy.  Is it warm in here? 

I may have grinned my crooked sideways grin and asked, "what's that, baby?" There may have been a twinkle in my eye.  Then again, I may have snapped, "for Pete's sake, I'm trying to watch this."  I can't remember.  This was a long time ago.  Let's just stick with my bad girl smirk and twinkly eyes.  Everyone ok with that?  Good.

The Husband let me in on his secret wish.  The thing he most wanted at that moment in time.

"You know how there are ice cream trucks?"
"Umm...yeah."  (what the...)
"Wouldn't it be awesome if there were fried cheese trucks?  You know...someone could just drive up to your house and deliver fried cheese."
"Umm...yeah." 

Since then, the term "Fried Cheese Truck" has become part of our vernacular.  I wish I could tell you that "fried cheese truck" is a code that The Husband and I share for something far more risqué.  But when one of us says Fried Cheese Truck, it means put on your shoes, get the keys, we're going to Sonic.

Fried cheese is the stuff fantasies are made of.  Especially when it's homemade with a smirk on your face and a twinkle in your eye.

Printable Recipe
Fried Mozzarella Sticks
From Giada De Laurentiis
Recipe @ Foodnetwork.com

1 1/2 cups Italian-style dried breadcrumbs
1 1/3 cups freshly grated Parmesan
1 teaspoon salt
2 (16-ounce) blocks pasteurized mozzarella cut into 4 by 1/2-inch sticks
4 large eggs, beaten to blend
1 1/2 cups vegetable oil
Marinara Sauce (follow the Foodnetwork link above)
OR Yummy Pizza Sauce (recipe below)


Stir the bread crumbs, 1 cup of Parmesan and 1 teaspoon of salt in a medium bowl to blend. Dip the cheese in the eggs to coat completely and allow the excess egg to drip back into the bowl. Coat the cheese in the bread crumb mixture, patting to adhere and coat completely. Place the cheese sticks on a baking sheet. Repeat dipping the cheese sticks in the egg and bread crumb mixture to coat a second time. Cover and freeze until frozen, about 2 hours and up to 2 days.


Heat the oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Working in batches, fry the cheese until golden brown, about 1 minute per side. Transfer the fried cheese to plates. Sprinkle with the remaining cheese and serve with marinara (or pizza sauce).


Amy’s Yummy Pizza Sauce
from Amy (Aclark234)
2 cans tomato paste
2 cups water
1 teaspoon oregano
1 teaspoon Italian dried seasonings
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt & pepper to taste


Bring the mixture up to a simmer and cook for twenty minutes. If using for pizza, allow mixture to cool before pouring on top of the pizza. 

Linking with: Food on Friday