Mozzarella Bites (on a stick) with Chutney and Marinara

Last chance to share recipes for the Super Bowl and if we were having a party, these would be on the menu!  They were so good, I kept eating them!  After a new batch would come out, I would each  another one.  It was to the point that I wouldn't let myself eat any after I sat down at the table since I had scarfed so many already!  And I wasn't even eating them with the sauce.  I am including the recipe for 2 sauces and you can decided what kind of person you are.  Our family was

split.  Tyler liked the Chutney, Hadlee liked the marinara and I couldn't decide.  It was fun to have both.  Yes, I am one of those people, when it comes to food choices, if it's between on or the other, I pick both.  Surprised?  Don't you know me but at all???

I saw something similar on Tracey's blog and made them the other night.  The recipe used fresh mozzarella and it was good, but there were a few things that I wanted to improve upon.  I don't know if I didn't let my fresh mozzarella drain long enough or what.  When we bit into them, a bunch of watery stuff would squirt out.  I think it was cheese water.  But seriously, I followed the recipe and drained those darn balls for over 2 hours.  What more do they want?  Anyway, so I decided maybe all this hoity-toity fresh mozzarella wasn't for me (if we are frying them, anyway).  I switch the the plain block-o-cheese and I loved the result.  Also, the thing I dislike most about breading things is having my hands get all gunky.  Enter tooth picks.  I was worried it wouldn't work; that the cheese would get hot and the stick would fall out.  Well, I just took them out of the oil with a slotted spoon instead of using the tooth pick and it worked like a charm.  I am sure you could use your favorite kind of cheese here, but if you want to use fresh mozzarella, I recommend getting out the blow dryer and going to town.  

The chutney has a tangy flavor that I like one minute and thought was too much the next.  Have you ever eaten something like that?  Where you keep trying to decide if you love or hate it and before you know it, you've eaten the whole thing?  That's how the chutney was.  It was kind of a nice change from marinara, but let's face it sometimes you don't want a change.  That's why I am including both.  I don't know what kind of person I am, but maybe you do.

Mozzarella Bites

8 oz block mozzarella, cut into chunks (I tried to keep mine about 1/2 inch)

3 eggs + 1 T milk

1 1/2 cups flour seasoned with salt and pepper

2-3 cups Italian Style bread crumbs

tooth picks

peanut or canola oil for frying

For the chutney:

2 T minced garlic

1 1/2 tsp. fresh ginger

1/4 tsp salt

1/2 cup red wine vinegar

1/4 cup sugar

2 T olive oil

1 tsp ground cumin

dash red pepper flakes

1 15 oz can diced tomatoes

For the Marinara: 

2 tsp olive oil

1/2 cup finely chopped onion

2 tsp minced garlic

1 T white wine (optional)

1 15 oz can diced tomatoes

1 tsp basil

3/4 tsp oregano

1/8-1/4 tsp salt (to taste)

1/8 tsp pepper

2 tsp sugar

For Chutney:  Combine all ingredients except for the tomatoes in food processor and blend until smooth and well combined.  Transfer to saucepan and add tomatoes, 

bring to boil.  Reduce heat and simmer, uncovered for about 1 hour.  

Makes about 2 1/2 cups.

For Marinara:  Heat oil in saucepan over med-high heat and cook onion until soft and light brown (about 5 minutes).  Add garlic and cook about 2 minutes more.  

Add remaining ingredients and bring to boil.  

Reduce heat,  and simmer for about 1 hour. 

 Makes about 2 cups.

For Mozzarella bites:  Place a toothpick in each piece of cheese.  

Beat eggs and milk until completely combined and smooth.  Coat cheese with flour, 

egg, 

bread crumbs 

and then egg 

and bread crumbs again.  

Place baking sheet lined with wax paper.  

Once all are breaded, place in freezer for 10 minutes.  Meanwhile, add about 2-3 inches of oil to a saucepan and heat to 350-375.  Preheat oven to 200.  Remove cheese from freezer and fry a few a time.  Drain on paper towel lined dish (oven proof) and place in oven to keep warm.  Repeat until all are done.  Serve warm.

I made a heart the other day with the fresh mozzarella.  Just for you. :)

If you are looking for more recipes for your super bowl party, any of these appetizers would be great!

Also, these desserts

these salads

and these cookies

Have a great weekend and Super Bowl! 

Source:  Mozzarella bites and Chutney adapted from, Food Network.com 

Marinara:  Amanda original. :)

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