Mommy’s…Mozzarella En Carrozza

It’s Mother’s Day! This year it really deserves extra honor and celebration, especially when mother’s around the world have worn so many “hats” during the pandemic. Your mother was your teacher, zoom coach, nurse, psychologist, meal planner, chef, housekeeper, friend and playmate! She did it all, while perhaps working full time and keeping everyone happy and safe! Let’s celebrate the mother’s and those who nurture us with love and devotion! My mother never wanted a lot of presents, or for us to make a big fuss over Mother’s Day. She always loved the times we had spent with her and the easy preparation of her favorite Italian fried cheese sandwich­—­which brings back loving memories of her own mother. My mother absolutely loved mozzarella any which way…especially Mozzarella En Carrozza. Popular in southern Italian cuisine, this recipe is essentially a mozzarella stick in sandwich form. With its molten mozzarella cheese center, it is tucked inside crusted bread, dredged in bread crumbs and fried. The perfect combination of flavor, the only thing better…is that you made it for her! Simple to prepare, it is delicious as an appetizer or a quick meal.   For my family this specialty withstood the test of time because of its simplicity and mouthwatering taste. I would just love hearing my mother say after her last bite…“OH, Mommy that was so GOOD!” To better understand:  My mother called all her children “Mommy” as babies and well into older adulthood (in her eyes we were never too old). This I learned was an Italian tradition, and I discovered it is cultural in many parts around the globe. A term of endearment, always said with love and affection. Nothing comes close to the love of a mom, nothing as sweet! Happy Mother’s Day mommy!  Honoring all the mom’s and those with special mother-like bonds who contribute to your well-being and hold you together! XOXO, Denise

Cut bread into slices. Cut cheese into 1/4 inch slices, pressing the top and bottom of the sandwich down with cheese inside. Whisk together eggs, parsley, salt and pepper. Dip into eggs and then into bread crumbs on both sides. In a large skillet over medium heat, oil and butter the sandwich, then fry on both sides (until your desired crispiness and all cheese has melted). Cut in ½ and serve hot with a side of marinara sauce for dipping. P.S. This recipe is printed in my dear Grandmother’s Cook Book. xoxo