Breadsticks

This recipe is so tasty next to a large plate of spaghetti or stuffed peppers guts. YUM! It is a quick bread, so no hour+ waiting for dough to rise - just about 5 minuets to make sure the yeast activates. Super Simple, Super Delicious!

Recipe:
1 Tbs Dry yeast (or 1 package of dry yeast)
1 Cup warm water (~110F)
1 Tbs Sugar
3.5 Cups of Flour (give or take a little...start off with 3, then add)
2 Tbs Olive Oil
1 tsp Salt

Put 1 cup of water into a tall dish or bowl, add the sugar and yeast. Stir around gently and then let rest. Your yeast (if good) should activate. You can tell because a nice foam will grow on top of the water. If this does not happen, try again. Yeast will not activate if water is too cold, and will die if water is too hot. (and sometimes, you just get a bad batch of yeast, might be old). When this is done add the yeast mixture to your flour and combine with the salt and olive oil. Mix around the best you can with a large fork or wooden spoon. Now flour your hands up and knead the dough until it is smooth, round and soft.

Place a sheet of parchment paper over a flat cookie sheet and place your dough ball into the center. Roll the dough out into a big "pizza" circle. (I often tear another sheet of parchment paper off and place it on top of my dough, then use a rolling pin to flatten - it saves it from sticking to my rolling pin, and saves me from having to wash another dirty utensil. -- sprinkle the dough with some flour before though!)

Now you can either move right along with the yummy breadstick making process, or leave dough to relax for about 10 mins. This will allow it to settle and grow some in height. Now what you want on your bread stick is up to you. My normal process is this:

1. Spread thin layer of butter over the top (raw dough, still....have not baked it yet!)
2. Sprinkle Garlic salt and powder over the top, then if handy, sprinkle garlic bread seasoning over the top as well.
3. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese powder
4. Sprinkle finely shredded Parmesan cheese
5. Sprinkle finely shredded Colby and Monteray Jack cheese
6. Crush and sprinkle parsley leaves over the top.
(note: I forgot the parsley in my picture...sorry - the green gives it a nice finished look)
-- I often spread "Italian Seasoning" mixture over as well. Just don't overdo the flavors, moderation people! Moderation...



Okay now that you have this fine looking raw circle in front of you - shove it into the over! 350F for about 17 mins. Just watch for done-ness. The bread should rise and fluff up, and the cheese crust a little on the edges.

I hear the timer going off! Take it out!

Allow to cool.
Then using a knife, or preferably, a pizza cutter - slice the bread into long/short strips. and ..YAY! You're finished...and I bet it looks great. Enjoy~