Breadsticks

It was 8:00 one night and, although the past few nights had been cold, this particular night was quite warm. That gave me an idea and I thought, I just have to take advantage of the higher temperature. I'm going to bake some bread. Apparently, the fact that it wouldn't be done until almost 11pm didn't faze me. I wanted bread and by golly, I was going to have it.


But, I didn't feel like making a loaf. No, instead, I had breadsticks on the brain. I used a recipe I found on Our Best Bites and it did not disappoint. The breadsticks were perfectly chewy with a nice crust. They would probably be delicious dipped into some marinara sauce, or brushed with some garlic butter, or, Our Best Bites suggested also sprinkling them with cinnamon-sugar for a sweet treat. However way you make them, they're sure to please.

Breadsticks (Our Best Bites)

1 1/2 c. warm (105-115 degrees) water
1 Tbsp. sugar
1 Tbsp. yeast
1/2 tsp. salt
3-4 1/2 c. flour

In a large bowl (the bowl of your mixer, if you have one), combine water, sugar, and yeast. Let stand for 10 minutes or until yeast is bubbly.

Add salt and stir. Add 1 1/2 c. flour and mix well. Gradually add more flour (usually between 3-4 cups, depending on your elevation and your humidity) until dough starts to pull away from the sides of the bowl and it barely sticks to your finger.

Spray a glass or metal bowl with cooking spray and place dough in the bowl. Cover and allow to rise for 45 minutes or until doubled in bulk.

Remove from bowl and place on a lightly-floured surface. Spray a baking sheet with cooking spray. Roll into a rectangle and cut into 12 strips with a pizza cutter.

Roll out each piece of dough into a snake and then drape over your forefinger and twist the dough. Place on baking sheet and repeat with remaining 11 pieces of dough. Try to space them evenly, but it’s okay if they’re close; pulling apart hot bread is one of life’s greatest pleasures!

Cover pan and allow dough to rise for another 30 minutes.

When there’s about 15 minutes to go, preheat your oven to 425F. When done rising, bake for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown.