BAKED MOZZARELLA BITES

Serve this quick after-school snack to your kids as an alternative to traditional fried cheese sticks.

Ingredients:

1/3 cup panko (Japanese breadcrumbs)

3 (1-ounce) sticks part-skim mozzarella string cheese

3 tablespoons egg substitute

Cooking spray

1/4 cup lower-sodium marinara sauce

Instructions:

Heat a medium skillet over medium heat. Add 1/3 cup panko to the pan, and cook for 2 minutes or until toasted, stirring frequently. Remove from heat, and place the panko in a shallow dish.

Cut mozzarella sticks into 1-inch pieces. Working with one piece at a time, dip the cheese in egg substitute; dredge in panko. Place cheese on a baking sheet coated with cooking spray. Bake at 425° for 3 minutes or until the cheese is softened and thoroughly heated.

Heat marinara sauce until thoroughly heated, stirring often. Serve with mozzarella pieces.