Teach Me Tuesday

Hey Y'all! OK, so I realize that it is Wednesday...let's just say that I have had a trying week already. That stupid ole' devil is trying to get at me any way he can. Anyway, for this week's teach me Tuesday I want to teach y'all how to make homemade Italian breadsticks. I made these for my family last week and they ate 'em up! This recipe makes a lot so if you have a smaller family than I do, and who doesn't, you may want to try cutting the recipe in half.

Italian Breadsticks

• 1 1⁄2 cup warm water
• 1 T. yeast (I do not use the rapid rise kind-never works for me)
  
• 2 T. sugar
• 3 1⁄2 c. flour
• 1⁄2 tsp. salt
• 2–3 T. butter, margarine, melted, or extra-virgin olive oil
• Garlic powder/salt
• Parmesan cheese (mozzarella would be good, too)
  

Add the yeast to the warm water and stir. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until bubbly.

Mix sugar, flour, and salt together. Add the yeast mixture and stir to mix well.

Knead for a few minutes until smooth. Let stand 10 minutes.

Pour melted butter/margarine or olive oil in a 9”x13” baking dish.

Press the dough into the dish, spreading it out to fill it completely.

Cut the dough into strips in the baking dish and sprinkle with garlic and/or Parmesan cheese as desired. (I usually add some extra melted butter or olive oil on top too, but I’m overindulgent like that. You really don’t need to.)

Cover and let rise for 30 minutes.

Bake 20 minutes in a preheated 375 degree oven until golden brown.