Spicy Mozzarella Sticks

These cheese sticks are coated with a mixture of bread crumbs and macadamia nuts, and then deep-fat fried

Ingredients:

• Oil for deep-fat frying
• 1 16-ounce block mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup flour
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 2 cups honey panko bread crumbs
• 1 cup crushed and toasted macadamia nuts
• 2 to 4 tbsp. olive oil
• 1/3 cup diced sweet onion
• 3 cloves garlic, crushed
• 1 6-oz. can tomato paste
• 1 can organic diced tomatoes
• 1 tbsp. red chili flakes
• Salt and black pepper

Directions:

Preheat oil in a deep-fat fryer to 350 degrees. Meanwhile, cut the cheese into 2-inch triangular pieces. In a bowl mix together the bread crumbs and nuts. Coat the cheese pieces with flour. Dip eggs; coat with the bread crumbs mixture. Fry cheese for 2 to 3 minutes or until outside is brown and crunchy. For dipping sauce, preheat olive oil in a saucepan. Cook and stir onions and garlic until tender. Add undrained tomatoes and tomato paste; heat through. Stir in chili flakes. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Serve cheese stick with dipping sauce.

Number of Servings: 4