There is nothing in life that can't be solved with good food and a bottle of wine. Or at least the Italians think so, as you can see in this memorable scene from The Bicycle Thief, one of my favorites. In this case, the food in question is mozzarella in carrozza, or mozzarella in a carriage- the inspiration for the popular mozzarella sticks. I used to have it as a child in Naples, so I'm giving the version I had there, which has a savoriness to counteract the blandness of the bread and cheese.
12 slices fresh bread
1 large fresh mozzarella ball (Belgioioso is good)
2 eggs
6 anchovy fillets
Bread crumbs
Pinch of oregano
Oil (olive oil is optional)
Cut off crusts from bread, cut mozzarella in slices that are somewhat smaller than bread slices. Drain cheese slices on paper towel; they must not be watery. Place cheese slices on bread, place anchovies and oregano on cheese, top with another slice of bread. Carefully seal borders of bread slices. Beat eggs with some salt, dip slices thoroughly in egg, coat with bread crumbs. Fry in small batches in hot oil, keep warm. Eat promptly to avoid hardened mozzarella.
