Fried Bread Cushions (Rome)

Appetizers

Ingredients

Sandwich loaf - 1 large

Provatura or mozzerella cheese, thinly sliced - 1 pound

Raw ham, sliced - 5 oz

OR

Anchovy fillets, chopped - 6 large

Flour

Milk

Eggs- 3

Salt

Lard or oil for deep frying

Slice the loaf thickly, trim off the crusts and with a sharp knife slit each slice through the middle without cutting it completely through, like a cushion cover. Stuff each slice with a mixture of cheese and ham or anchovies. Flour each "cushion" lightly, dip quickly into milk and arrange in a deep dish. Beat the eggs with a little salt and pour them over the top. Leave until the eggs are completely absorbed by the bread.

Heat plenty of lard or oil and deep fry the "cushions", two at a time, until golden brown on both sides. Drain on paper towels. Keep  hot in a warm oven until all the "cushions" are fried. Serve hot.

Serves 6