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1
Stir the bread crumbs, 1 cup of Parmesan and 1 teaspoon of salt in a medium bowl to blend.
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2
Dip the cheese in the eggs to coat completely and allow the excess egg to drip back into the bowl.
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3
Coat the cheese in the bread crumb mixture, patting to adhere and coat completely. Place the cheese sticks on a baking sheet.
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4
Repeat dipping the cheese sticks in the egg and bread crumb mixture to coat a second time.
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5
Cover and freeze until frozen, about 2 hours and up to 2 days.
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6
Heat the oil in a large frying pan over medium heat.
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7
Working in batches, fry the cheese until golden brown, about 1 minute per side.
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8
Transfer the fried cheese to plates. Sprinkle with the remaining cheese and serve with the Marinara Sauce.
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9
Marinara Sauce:
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10
In a large casserole pot, heat the oil over a medium-high flame.
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11
Add the onions and garlic and saute until the onions are translucent, about 10 minutes.
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12
Add the celery, carrots, and 1/2 teaspoon of each salt and pepper. Saute until all the vegetables are soft, about 10 minutes.
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13
Add the tomatoes and bay leaves, and simmer uncovered over low heat until the sauce thickens, about 1 hour.
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14
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).