Fried Mozzarella and Mushroom Bites

Fried Mozzarella and Mushroom Bites

Ingredients:
1 (16-ounce) package part-skim mozzarella cheese
2 eggs
2 tablespoons water
1 cup seasoned bread crumbs
1 pound mushrooms
Vegetable oil, for frying
Parsley, for garnish

Tomato Sauce:
1 small onion, chopped
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 (16-ounce) can whole tomatoes in thick puree
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper

Directions:
1. Cut the mozzarella into 1/2-inch slices, then into 1/2-inch strips. Beat the eggs with the water in a pie plate. Spread the bread crumbs on wax paper.
2. Dip the mozzarella sticks in egg, then coat with crumbs. Freeze on a baking sheet about 30 minutes to set the coating. Dip and coat the mushrooms the same way; set aside.
3. For the sauce, sauté the onion in the oil 5 minutes, until soft. Add the remaining sauce ingredients and bring to a boil. Simmer 10 minutes, breaking up the tomatoes; keep warm.
4. In a 4-quart saucepan, heat 2 inches of oil to 370°F. Fry the mozzarella sticks in batches 1-2 minutes, until golden. Drain on paper towels. Repeat with the mushrooms.
5. Arrange on a platter, garnish with parsley and serve with the tomato sauce.