Italian Mozzarella Sticks

Italian Mozzarella Sticks:

2 cups Italian seasoned bread crumbs

1 cup panko crumbs

1 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

4 eggs, beaten

1 tsp salt

1/2 pepper

1/2 tsp paprika

2 lbs pasteurized mozzarella cut into sticks

vegetable oil

Pour the eggs into a small mixing bowl. Pour the grated cheese, bread crumbs, panko crumbs, salt, pepper and paprika into another bowl and mix together. Cut the cheese into thick sticks/strips. Dip each cheese stick into the eggs then coat with the bread crumb mixture. Place each piece onto a large baking sheet. Cover the sheet with plastic wrap and place the sheet into the freezer for at least two hours.

After two hours heat the vegetable oil in a large dutch oven (the oil should be hot enough that it sizzles as you place the sticks into the pot). Cook 1-2 at a time until they are golden brown. Remove with a Chinese skimmer and place onto a tray lined with paper towels to allow the excess oil to drain off. Serve warm with your favorite marinara sauce.