Mozzarella Sticks

1 pound of mozzarella

1/8 teaspoon salt (optional)

3 medium eggs beaten well

1/4 teaspoon pepper

1/2 cup flour

1 cup seasoned or plain bread crumbs 

Canola oil for frying

Tomato sauce (optional)

Place mozzarella on cutting board and cut into 1/2 inch slices, then cut those slices into 1/2 wide sticks.  Place the sticks on paper towels and pat well.  In a shallow bowl beat the eggs, salt and pepper.  On wax paper evenly spread the flour, and spread the breadcrumbs on another piece of wax paper evenly.  

Dip the mozzarella sticks in egg first, then roll the mozzarella in flour, them dip it again in egg, and lastly dip the mozzarella in the bread crumbs, making sure they are completely coated with the eggs and crumbs. Place on a plate and refrigerate the mozzarella sticks for 40 minutes.  (You can even hold these over night, if you want to prepare them ahead.)

In a deep skillet, pour about 1 inch of canola oil, and heat over medium heat until hot. Start adding your mozzarella sticks making sure not to over crowd them in the pan.  Turn the mozzarella sticks carefully, until they are golden on all sides, about 5-6 minutes.  Once cooked place the mozzarella sticks on a paper towel lined cookie sheet for absorption of the oil onto paper towel.   

These can be served hot alone or with tomato sauce.