Ingredients

• 1 (12-ounce) package reduced-fat mozzarella string cheese
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 8 Tbsp. panko (Japanese) bread crumbs
• 1/2 c. prepared spaghetti sauce, warmed (optional)

Directions

Position rack in upper-third of oven and preheat oven to 350 F. Line a baking sheet with foil and spray lightly with cooking spray. Remove cheese from packaging and set aside. In a small bowl, whisk egg until foamy. In a small nonstick skillet, mix Italian seasoning with bread crumbs and place over medium heat. Cook and stir bread crumbs until lightly browned, about five minutes. Dip one piece of string cheese in egg until coated and then into toasted bread crumbs, coating completely. Redip the string cheese in egg and again into the bread crumbs, if desired. Place on baking sheet. Repeat with remaining string cheese and place on baking sheet 1 1/2 inches apart. Spray string cheese lightly with cooking spray. Bake five to six minutes until heated through. Note: The cheese may melt slightly and lose shape. Simply press it back into place. Serve immediately. Pair with warmed spaghetti sauce as a dip.

Makes 6 servings.

Per Serving: about 172 calories, 9 grams (g) of fat, 9 g carbohydrate, 14 g protein and 35 percent of the daily recommendation for calcium.