Mozzarella Cheese Sticks

I made these for Super Bowl Sunday. I really like mozzarella sticks, but they have so many calories and so much fat. So I reworked a recipe I had and this is what I came up with. They are very light and crispy--really delicious.

Makes: 32 appetizers
8 light string cheese sticks cut once vertically and once horizontally. Each stick will then be cut into 4 sticks
Vegetable oil enough for deep fryer or 2 inches deep in heavy saucepan
1/2 cup Kodiak Cakes pancake and waffle mix (You could probably use a different brand, but it may be a little different.)
1/2 teaspoon paprika (I like smoky paprika, but use whatever you have.)
1/4 cup fat free milk
2 Tbsp egg Beaters or other pasteurized egg product
Marinara sauce, if desired for dipping

1. Place cheese sticks on tray; freeze at least 1 hour.
2. Heat 2 inches of oil to 375ºF in large heavy saucepan or follow manufacturer's directions on deep fryer. Beat pancake mix, paprika, milk and egg beaters until smooth. Dip cheese, 1 stick at a time, into batter, covering cheese completely. Be sure to cover the cheese completely or it will melt and run out.
3. Fry 8 to 10 sticks at a time 1 to 2 minutes, turning carefully, until golden brown. Drain on paper towels. Let stand 5 minutes before serving.
Serve cheese sticks with marinara, salsa, spaghetti or pizza sauces.

Freezing the cheese first allows the outside to get crispy before the cheese starts to melt.
If you can't cook at least 6 or so at a time keep them in the freezer so they won't thaw before you get to them.
Coat them all before you start frying. They cook very quickly and you need to be ready. Don't try to fry and coat at the same time.
You can also use cheddar cheese cut into about the same size sticks. They are also yummy.

1 serving = 2 sticks and is 3 points