Fried Cheese Sticks With Tomato Sauce - cooking recipe

Ingredients

1 tablespoon butter or 1 tablespoon margarine
1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce
1/2 cup mushroom, finely chopped
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano, crushed
1/2 teaspoon dried basil, crushed
1 cup flour
1 cup fine dry breadcrumb
1 cup wheat germ
1/2 teaspoon ground red pepper
1 lb cheese, well chilled (Cheese suggestions, Swiss, Monterey Jack, Mozzarella, Muenster, cheddar, fontina, Gouda, Edam, Havar)
2 beaten eggs
cooking oil (for deep-fat frying)

Preparation

Melt butter in a small saucepan.
Stir in tomato sauce, mushrooms, oregano and basil.
Bring to boil.
Reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Cover and keep warm while frying cheese.
Combine bread crumbs, wheat germ and red pepper in a small bowl.
Cut cheese into 2x1/2x1/2-inch sticks or 1 inch cubes.
Dip each piece of cheese in eggs, then into the flour and then the crumbs to coat well; repeat one more time to ensure even coating.
Heat 1 1/2 inches of oil to 375 degrees.
Fry a few cheese pieces at a time for 30 seconds to 1 minute or until golden on all sides. (do not overcook or you will have a melted mess).
Drain well on paper towels.
Serve warm with tomato sauce.