Fried Mozzarella Sticks
 
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 to 1 1/8 cups chilled seltzer or club soda
16 2-by 1/2-by 1/4-inch mozzarella sticks (about 4 ounces)
 
Vegetable oil for deep-frying

Let batter stand 10 minutes. If necessary, thin batter with enough remaining seltzer to reach consistency of crepe batter. 
 
In a deep heavy skillet heat 1 inch oil to 375 degrees on a deep-fat thermometer. Working quickly in batches, dip sticks in batter, coating each completely, and fry in hot oil, turning, 1 1/2 to 2 minutes, or until golden and crisp. With a slotted spoon transfer sticks to paper towels to drain. (Make sure oil returns to 375 degrees before adding each new batch.) 
 
Yield: 16  
Difficulty: Easy