Italian breadsticks

There are many culinary delights the Chinese have perfected.  However, one type of food they have yet to perfect is bread.  Trying to find good bread in China is a bit like trying to get a tan at the north pole.  Consequently, I make a lot of my own bread.  Once you’ve mastered the finicky nature of yeast, bread making really is not that difficult.  However, it is time consuming.  The yeast has to mature, the dough has to rise, the loaves have to be formed, the dough has to rise again.  Therefore I was thrilled when I found a basic recipe for breadsticks that is ready in an hour flat, which means I can throw it together after class and still have them to serve with dinner.  I jazzed up the recipe a bit to give it more flavor.

Ingredients:

Breadstick dough

• 1 cup warm water
• 2/3 tablespoon yeast
• 1 heaping tablespoon sugar
• 2-1/3 cup flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning mix

Breadstick topping

• 1 tablespoon parmesan cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 1 teaspoon parsley
• 1 teaspoon oregano
• 1 tablespoon oil
• 1 egg

You also need 3 tablespoons butter for melting in the pan

Directions:

Mix all “breadstick dough” ingredients together and knead for three minutes.  Let the dough rest for 10 minutes.  In the meantime, melt the butter on a large baking sheet.  Roll the dough out to 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick and cut in strips with a pizza cutter.  Twist dough and place about 1/2 inch apart on the baking sheet.  Cover with greased plastic wrap and let rise for 30 minutes.

While dough is rising, mix “breadstick topping” ingredients together and preheat oven to 375 degrees.  Just before putting breadsticks in oven, brush topping onto the breadsticks.  Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown.  Will make about 15 breadsticks.