Fried Mozzarella Sticks

There's nothing like fried cheese!

-Pioneer Woman/Kikkoman

16 pieces String Cheese, removed from wrappers (Kraft)
1/2 cups All-purpose flour (I added garlic powder)
2 whole eggs
3 Tbsp. milk
2 cups Panko Bread Crumbs
1 Tbsp. dried parsley flakes
canola oil, for frying
marinara sauce, for dipping

Slice string cheese pieces in half, for a total of 32 pieces.

Place flour (and garlic powder) in a small bowl.

In a separate bowl, whisk eggs and milk.

In another separate bowl, combine panko bread crumbs with parsley flakes.

TO ASSEMBLE: One by one, roll mozzarella sticks in flour, then dunk in egg/milk mixture, then place in Panko crumbs. Use your hand to sweep crumbs all over the mozzarella stick. Gently remove and place on a tray or cookie sheet. Repeat until all mozzarella sticks are coated.

IMPORTANT: ** Place tray in freezer for 20-30 minutes to flash freeze. **

TO COOK: Heat 1 1/2 inches canola oil in a large skillet over medium heat (or use deep fryer). When hot, add mozzarella sticks 8 at a time. Watch closely and turn over to evenly brown, cooking less than 2 minutes. Do not allow cheese to bubble and leak.

Remove to paper towel-lined plate (salt lightly). Serve immediately with warm marinara sauce.

Banana Pancakes

Classic Betty Crocker style pancakes with mashed bananas - a quick and easy way to use your overripe bananas!

2 eggs
1 1/2 cups milk
3 Tbsp. oil
3 overripe bananas, mashed
1 1/2 cups flour
1 1/2 Tbsp. sugar
1 Tbsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt

Beat eggs; add milk, oil and bananas. Add dry ingredients and stir until smooth - do not overmix. Delicious with caramel syrup.

Croutons

I should have started making my own croutons a long time ago! They are so easy and delicious!

-Bonnie James, also allrecipes.com

4 thick slices white bread (french), or two hamburger buns work great - any bread about to go stale
1/2 cup butter
2 cloves garlic, minced

Cut the bread into 1/2-inch cubes. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a large saute pan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in garlic; cook and stir for 1 minute. Add bread cubes, and toss to coat. Spread on a baking sheet. Bake for 15 minutes, or until crisp and dry. (Turn half way through). Check frequently to prevent burning. Cool. Store leftovers in an airtight container.