Served hot from the oven, these crispy Mozzarella cheese sticks can be dipped in marinara sauce for an extra special appetizer.

MOZZARELLA STICKS:

Makes about 15 sticks.

1 (8 oz.) pkg. Mozzarella cheese
2 eggs
1 tbsp. water
1 c. bread crumbs
2 tsp. Italian seasoning
1/2 tsp. garlic powder
1/8 c. unsifted flour
4 tsp. butter, melted
1 c. hot marinara sauce, optional

1. Cut cheese into 3 x 1/2 x 1/2 inch sticks; set aside.

2. In a shallow bowl beat eggs and water together.

3. In another bowl combine bread crumbs, Italian seasoning and garlic powder.

4. Coat cheese sticks with flour, then egg mixture, then bread crumb mixture. Repeat egg and bread crumb mixture coatings.

5. Place coated sticks on a plate in a single layer.

6. Cover with foil and chill 2 to 3 hours.

7. Heat oven to 400 degrees.

8. Make sure cheese sticks are very cold and oven is adequately preheated before baking. Then, place cheese sticks on a foil-lined baking sheet. Drizzle with butter.

9. Bake 8 to 10 minutes or until crisp.