What's Cooking Appetizers

Baked Mozzarella Sticks
with Spicy Tomato Dipping Sauce

Olive oil cooking spray
1 tsp. olive oil
1 garlic clove, minced
1 can (15 oz.) tomato sauce
1/4 tsp. salt
1/8 tsp. granulated sugar
1/8 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
6 Tbsp. unseasoned breadcrumbs
1/2 tsp. garlic powder
1/2 tsp. dried oregano
1/4 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. ground black pepper
2 Tbsp. enriched flour
2 egg whites, lightly scrambled
4 pieces light string cheese (or light smoked mozzarella string cheese), cut in half

Spray a baking sheet with olive oil cooking spray. In a medium saucepan, heat olive oil over medium-low heat until just warm, about 1 minute. Add garlic; sauté for 1 minute. Add tomato sauce, salt, sugar, and red pepper flakes; stir well. Heat until sauce begins to bubble. Reduce heat to low; simmer 10 minutes. Remove from heat. On a medium plate, combine bread crumbs, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Place flour on small plate. Coat each stick in flour. Shake off excess; dip in egg. Dip sticks in crumb mixture. Place sticks on baking sheet 2 inches apart. Spray tops with olive oil cooking spray. Place baking sheet in freezer for 1 hour; refrigerate sauce. Preheat oven to 400 degrees 15 to 20 minutes before serving. Remove baking sheet from freezer; place in oven. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, until sticks are just heated through, not melted. Remove from oven. Remove sauce from refrigerator. Microwave for 1 to 2 minutes until warmed through. Serve with sticks. Serves 4.