Mozzarella in Carrozza
(Mozzarella Fried in Bread)
by Mario Batali (from Holiday Food)

Ingredients:
• 2 pounds fresh BUFFALO MOZZARELLA, cut into 4 (3 by 4-inch) slices
• 8 slices AMERICAN-STYLE SANDWICH BREAD, crusts removed
• 4 EGGS
• 1 cup MILK
• 1 teaspoon chopped fresh THYME LEAVES
• 1 teaspoon SALT
• 1 tablespoon plus 3 tablespoons EXTRA-VIRGIN OLIVE OIL
• 1 tablespoon plus 3 tablespoons SWEET BUTTER

Procedure:
1. Divide the 4 pieces of mozzarella on 4 slices of bread. Cover with the 4 remaining slices of bread to form sandwiches. Cut the bread away to leave a 1/4-inch border around the perimeter of the cheese and set aside.

2. In a wide, shallow bowl, whisk the eggs and add the milk, thyme leaves and salt and mix until well blended. Dip the sandwiches into the egg mixture one by one to coat, and set aside.

3. In a 12 to 14-inch non-stick sauté pan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil until smoking. Add 1 tablespoon of butter and cook until the sizzling subsides. Place 2 sandwiches in the pan and cook until golden brown on the first side. Flip each sandwich and cook on the other side. Remove sandwiches and set aside. Repeat the process with the remaining oil, butter and sandwiches. Serve immediately.

Makes 4 Servings

IWM Recommendation:
Cantine Statti I Gelsi Rosso
Mastroberardino Lacryma Christi

This recipe is printed with the expressed permission of Mario Batali and Clarkson Potter Publishers. No part of this recipe may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission.