1.  When using fresh, hand-pulled mozzarella, you will need to strain it over night in the refrigerator to remove some of the water before frying. To do this, drain off any liquid from the mozzarella and enclose it in either cheese cloth or a cotton towel by gathering the 4 corners of the cloth. Over the sink, twist the cheese cloth enough so that it puts light pressure on the mozzarella and the cheese begins to release some of its liquid. Secure the cloth with a clip or rubber band so that this pressure remains. Then place the cloth enclosed mozzarella in a strainer over a bowl. Place the bowl into the refrigerator to allow the mozzarella to drain overnight.

2.  When you are ready to make the fried mozzarella, remove the bowl, strainer and enclosed ball of cheese from the refrigerator. Unwrap the mozzarella and slice it into 1 inch thick rounds. Then cut the rounds lengthwise into 1 inch wide sticks.

3.  In a deep sauté pan or heavy bottomed pot over medium heat, add the oil for frying. Fill it to 2 - 3 inches above the bottom of the pan.

 

 

 

4.  While waiting for the oil to heat, make a dredging station by pouring the bread crumbs and the flour into separate rectangular dishes. Then break the eggs into a mixing bowl and whisk them together until the yolks are broken and thoroughly combined.

5.  As the oil continues to heat, dredge the sticks of mozzarella first through the flour, shaking off any excess, then into the egg mixture and finally, coat each stick with bread crumbs. Place the breaded sticks on a tray or plate. Repeat this process until all of the mozzarella sticks have been breaded.

6.  At this point, the oil should be hot enough for frying. To test, sprinkle a pinch of bread crumbs over the oil. If the oil begins to simmer quickly, it is ready. If the bread crumbs only seem to bubble a little bit, continue to heat the oil.

7.  When the oil is ready, line a baking sheet with paper towels for draining the fried mozzarella, and then gently place the mozzarella sticks into the hot oil. If there is not enough room in the pan, fry the sticks in batches. While frying, turn the sticks regularly so that they fry evenly on all sides.

8.  Fry the sticks until they are a light golden brown on all sides, approximately 3 - 5 minutes. Using a slotted spoon or a spider, remove the fried mozzarella sticks from the oil and gently shake off any excess oil. Place the sticks on the paper towel lined baking sheet to dry.

9.  Continue frying the mozzarella until they are all fried.

10.  Serve immediately with our Home-Style Tomato Sauce for dipping.