FRIED MOZZARELLA STICKS

Steps:

• Heat 1 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wide, shallow pot to about 365 degrees F. (If you don't have an oil thermometer, drop a few bread crumbs in. If they sizzle but don't burn, the oil is ready.)
• Cut the mozzarella into four slabs, then cut each slab into four pieces, to get sixteen sticks. Spread the flour and the bread crumbs on separate rimmed plates. Put the eggs in a shallow bowl, and lightly beat them. Season with salt.
• If using the basil, dip the leaves in the beaten egg and let the excess drip off back into the bowl. Put a leaf on each of the mozzarella sticks, down the length of the stick, and press to adhere. Don't worry if the leaf doesn't stick completely; it will stay on once you begin the breading process.
• Working a few at a time, dredge the mozzarella sticks first in flour, then in the beaten egg, then in the bread crumbs. Once they're breaded, dip them again one by one into the egg and bread crumbs, so that no cheese is visible.
• When the oil is ready, drop half of the mozzarella sticks gently into the skillet. Fry until golden on all sides, about 3 to 4 minutes in all. Remove mozzarella sticks with a spider, or slotted spatula, to drain on paper towels. Season with salt. Repeat process with remaining mozzarella sticks. Serve warm, with marinara sauce for dipping.