Nacho Cheese Corn Chip Encrusted Mozzarella Sticks Food

SOMBRERO CORN CHIPS

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
• In a mixing bowl, combine the cornmeal, shortening and salt with a fork until the shortening is completely incorporated into the cornmeal. Mix in the boiling water a little at a time until a stiff dough forms, about the consistency of soft clay.
• Press the dough into the donut molds in a thin even layer to completely coat each mold, including the centerpiece that would create the hole in the donut. Dip your fingers in water to keep the dough from sticking to them as you press it into the molds.
• Bake until firm, 12 to 15 minutes. Let cool slightly, then carefully remove the sombreros from the molds.
• Fill a medium pot with about 4 inches of oil and heat to 350 degrees F over medium heat. Working in batches, fry the sombreros until just light brown, about 2 minutes. Transfer to a baking sheet lined with paper towels and sprinkle with a bit of salt.
• Fill each sombrero with salsa or guacamole.

MOZZARELLA STICKS

Steps:

• Stir the bread crumbs, 1 cup of Parmesan and 1 teaspoon of salt in a medium bowl to blend. Dip the cheese in the eggs to coat completely and allow the excess egg to drip back into the bowl. Coat the cheese in the bread crumb mixture, patting to adhere and coat completely. Place the cheese sticks on a baking sheet. Repeat dipping the cheese sticks in the egg and bread crumb mixture to coat a second time. Cover and freeze until frozen, about 2 hours and up to 2 days.
• Heat the oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Working in batches, fry the cheese until golden brown, about 1 minute per side. Transfer the fried cheese to plates. Sprinkle with the remaining cheese and serve with the Marinara Sauce.
• In a large casserole pot, heat the oil over a medium-high flame. Add the onions and garlic and saute until the onions are translucent, about 10 minutes. Add the celery, carrots, and 1/2 teaspoon of each salt and pepper. Saute until all the vegetables are soft, about 10 minutes. Add the tomatoes and bay leaves, and simmer uncovered over low heat until the sauce thickens, about 1 hour. Remove and discard the bay leaf. Season the sauce with more salt and pepper, to taste. (The sauce can be made 1 day ahead. Cool, then cover and refrigerate. Rewarm over medium heat before using.)

AIR FRYER MOZZARELLA STICKS

Steps:

• Place the flour, beaten eggs and breadcrumbs in three separate shallow bowls. Season the flour and breadcrumbs with 1 teaspoon salt each.
• Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Cut the cheese sticks in half crosswise; dip in the flour, then egg, then breadcrumbs. Repeat to coat each again in the flour, egg and breadcrumbs. Transfer to the prepared baking sheet; freeze 2 hours.
• Preheat a 6-quart air fryer to 400˚ F. Coat the breaded cheese with cooking spray. Add to the air fryer basket in an even layer and cook, turning halfway through, until crisp and golden, about 6 minutes. Serve with marinara sauce.

HEALTHY MOZZARELLA STICKS

Steps:

• Pulse the melba toasts in a food processor to make semi-coarse crumbs; transfer to a medium bowl or dish. Mix in the breadcrumbs, oregano, 1/4 teaspoon each salt and pepper and the cayenne if using.
• Whisk together the egg whites, whole egg, garlic and 1/4 teaspoon each salt and pepper in another bowl.
• Put the flour and 1/4 teaspoon salt in a resealable plastic bag. Add the cheese pieces to the bag, close and shake to coat. Dip one piece of the cheese at a time in the egg mixture first, and then roll firmly in the breadcrumb mixture; then dip the same piece again in the egg mixture followed by the breadcrumb mixture. (Note: Use one hand with the dry mixture and the other with the wet mixture.) Place on a parchment paper-lined plate or baking sheet. Freeze for 15 minutes, or up to overnight.
• Preheat the oven to 475 degrees F. Transfer the frozen cheese sticks to another baking sheet. Fully coat the cheese sticks with the olive oil cooking spray. Bake until golden, about 12 minutes. Sprinkle with additional salt and pepper to taste.
• Serve immediately with the warm marinara sauce.