Mozzarella Sticks

<p>Stir the bread crumbs, Parmesan and 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 tray

Repeat dipping the cheese sticks in the egg and bread crumb mixture to coat a second time

Cover and freeze until frozen, about two hours and up to two days.</p>

<p>Heat the oil in a large frying pan over medium heat

Working in batches, fry the cheese until golden brown, about one minute per side

Transfer the fried cheese to plates

Sprinkle with the remaining cheese and serve with the marinara sauce.</p>

<p>For the marinara sauce:</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>Add the tomatoes and bay leaves, and simmer uncovered over low heat until the sauce thickens, about one hour

Remove and discard the bay leaf

Season the sauce with more salt and pepper, to taste. (The sauce can be made a day ahead

Cool, then cover and refrigerate

Rewarm over medium heat before using

Makes 2L.)</p>