Sunday, January 22, 2012

"Skinny Fried" Cheese Curds

Do you have a state fair where you live? Well, the Wisconsin State Fair is a destination. It is one of the most remarkable places to people watch that I have been in my life, and frankly, to food watch as well. Fried beer? Chocolate cover bacon? Yep--all at the Wisconsin State Fair. There are also these absolutely delicious fried cheese curds that I indulge in once a year. They. Are. Worth. It. Since the fair is a ridiculously long snow filled winter away, I tried to create a version that we could enjoy all year long (for special occasions) and I came up with these "Skinny Fried" Cheese Curds. They would also be great dipped in pizza sauce or light ranch.

Here's What You Need:
Reduced Fat Colby Jack String Cheese (like Sargentos)
Panko crumbs*

Salt + Peppert
(Organic) Non-stick spray
Parchment paper
Optional dips
1 Egg whisked with a splash of ff milk


Here's What You Do:

Preheat the oven to broil. Season the crumbs with salt and pepper. Cut the cheese sticks into four pieces each. Dip them by the handful into the egg wash and then into the panko crumbs, pressing to coat. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment. Lightly spray with non-stick and add additional sea salt if you like. Broil for 2 minutes. Take them out of the oven and use a fork to re-form them and roll in any crumbs that fell off. (Don't worry if they have started to flatten!) Broil for another minute or two. Watch closely as it goes fast. Squish them back into shape as they will have started to melt, and let them cool just slightly as they are best warm and gooey. Serve with optional dipping sauces like pizza sauce and light ranch.

*Notes: Panko crumbs can be found in the Asian food aisle near the soy sauce. I didn't give exact portions here, so that you could alter this to how many people your family was having over. Oh--These are still special occassion treats. Four pieces = about 5 grams of fat. Not bad!

Kid Tip:
No tips needed--Your kids will love these! (Just be sure to let them cool enough.)

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1 comment:

  1. What a fun idea! I'd never heard of fried cheese curds until I met my husband about 10 years ago and started spending summers at his family place in Northern Wisconsin. Now, I have to have them at least once or twice a year. I love this healthy alternative.

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