Waffle Iron "Fried" Cheese (Queso Frito)

"Yes, you can waffle cheese. [Photograph: Daniel Shumski] Breaded, melty cheese is something that crosses cultures—from deep-fried mozzarella sticks at state fairs to queso frito in Latin America. Inspired by those foods, we've taken squares of cheese are breaded and "fried" them in the waffle iron for just a minute, until their outsides turn golden brown and crunchy and their insides become perfectly melted and gooey. Why this recipe works: * The direct, two-sided heat of the waffle iron crisps the breading without the need for flipping. * Cooking in the waffle iron instead of deep-frying means less mess and quicker set-up and clean-up. * Note: Any good melting cheese such as young provolone, fontina, Jack, cheddar, or a queso chihuahua can be used in place of the mozzarella. Avoid fresh mozzarella or dry cheese meant for grating. Some recipes call for the breaded cheese to be refrigerated (or frozen) before cooking. I did not find this to be necessary with the waffle iron version, but you can certainly bread the cheese several hours ahead and refrigerate it until you're ready to waffle...."