Zucchini Sticks

Those who have ever dined at The Staaten restaurant on Staten Island know that there are few things more delicious than breaded, fried zucchini sticks -- the place is famous for them! But, it's not necessarily the most figure friendly side-dish out there. My version is healthier, and almost as good.

2-3 zucchini, cut into sticks that resemble thick french fries
1 egg
1/2 cup milk (skim, whole, or anything in between)
1 cup Italian seasoned bread crumbs
1/2 cup grated parmigiana cheese (just use something pre-grated -- this is not a recipe that needs fresh grated parmigiano reggiano cheese)

Whisk together the egg and milk and in a separate bowl, combine the bread crumbs and grated cheese. Dunk the zucchini sticks in the egg/milk mixture and after shaking off excess liquid, thoroughly coat the sticks in the bread crumb/cheese mixture. Transfer to a cookie sheet that is sprayed with non-stick cooking spray. When the sheet is full, spray the tops of the sticks with cooking spray as well, and bake in a 400 degree oven for 12-15 minutes -- until the sticks brown and crisp up every so slightly.

Serve hot!