Recipe of Today: Homemade Garlic Breadsticks

Ingredients

• Water – Usually I don't put water on the ingredient list, but it plays a big role in activating the yeast in the dough. The water should be hot, but not boiling. If you have a digital meat thermometer, you could test it. And the temperature should be between 105°F and 115°F.

• Granulated Sugar – This is not used to sweeten the breadsticks. The sugar actually "feeds" the yeast and helps give the bread a golden crust and a moist crumb.

• Active Dry Yeast – You'll need a tbsp of active dry yeast. The sachets you can buy at the store contain only 2 ¼ tsps. If you plan to make a lot of bread, I recommend purchasing a jar of yeast to store in your pantry. A 4-ounce jar equals 8 packets of yeast, or 6 tbsps.

• Olive Oil – When you add oil to bread dough, it prevents moisture from evaporating, resulting in a softer bread and a moist crumb.

• Salt – To enhance the flavor of breadsticks.

• All-purpose Flour – The bread base is added a little at a time, so you have just the right amount. The flour required for the recipe may vary depending on altitude and moisture in the air.

• Topping – Brush melted butter and garlic salt onto toasted breadsticks. I also added a little parmesan and parsley, which are optional.

Instructions

• Make the dough: In a large bowl, mix together water, sugar and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes to activate, then stir with the olive oil and salt. Put in 1 cup of flour. Add up to 3 ½ cups of flour, stirring between each addition until dough forms. 

• Knead the dough: Sprinkle a small amount of flour on a flat surface, such as a large cutting board or kitchen counter. Knead by hand for 6 minutes, add some flour to prevent sticking, then knead into a ball.

• Rise: Spray a large bowl with nonstick cooking spray and place the dough in it. Roll it on the inside of the bowl to coat with cooking spray. Cover with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let the dough rise for about 30 minutes, or until doubles in size.

• Form the Breadsticks: While still in the bowl, cut the dough in half. Remove half and place on a cutting board, then cut into 7 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball and place on a flat surface, pressing down lightly as you roll the dough into an 8-inch rope. You can make your breadsticks as long or short as you like. Repeat with remaining dough as well.

• Second Rise: Line a few baking sheets with parchment paper, then place the strings on the baking sheets, making sure they are evenly spaced and have plenty of room to rise. Spray with cooking spray and cover with a clean towel or plastic wrap for another 15 minutes.

• Bake: Preheat oven to 400°F. When the oven is fully preheated, toast the breadsticks for 10-12 minutes or until the tops are lightly golden.

• Brush with Garlic Butter: Melt the butter in microwave for 30 seconds, then stir in the garlic salt. Brush garlic butter over breadsticks while hot, then sprinkle with Parmesan and Italian herbs (if desired). Enjoy!

Tips

If you have a stand mixer like Kitchenin KM50, I highly recommend using it. Use the regular flat beater attachment to stir the dough and the dough hook to knead. You'll know it's done kneading when it pulls away from the side and forms a ball.