Ingredients:
- Tea Rubs: 2 tablespoons (A blend of black tea, green tea, and any other fragrant tea leaves)
- Mozzarella Sticks: 1 lb, cut into 3-4 inch strips
- All-Purpose Flour: 1 cup
- Egg: 2, beaten
- Bread Crumbs: 1 cup (preferably panko)
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon
- Pepper: 1/4 teaspoon
- Oil: Enough for deep frying (vegetable oil is recommended)
- Baking Sheet: Lined with parchment paper
Instructions:
- Prepare the Tea Rubs: Crush the tea leaves finely using a mortar and pestle or a spice grinder. Mix the crushed tea leaves with salt and pepper to taste to create a rub.
- Season the Cheese Sticks: Pat the mozzarella sticks dry with paper towels. Rub the tea mixture evenly over all the cheese sticks.
- Dredge the Cheese Sticks: Coat each cheese stick in flour, then dip into the beaten egg, and finally press into the bread crumbs to coat evenly.
- Arrange on a Baking Sheet: Place the breaded cheese sticks on a parchment-lined baking sheet, ensuring they do not touch.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Bake the cheese sticks for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown and the cheese is melted.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving. Cheese sticks can be served with marinara sauce for dipping.