Bread Sticks

March 2007: I recently started making home made bread and pizz crust. I'm still working on a great version of those recipes to share, but scored with a version for bread sticks that we both loved.

Ingredients:

• 1.5c bread flour (approx.)
• 1/4c hot water
• 1.5 tbs yeast
• 1 tbs honey
• 2 tbs olive oil
• Italian season, garlic, and parmasan cheese

Preparation:

1. Mix hot water, honey, and yeast. Let sit for about 5 minutes until bubbly.
2. Add 1/4c flour and olive oil. Blend well until smooth.
3. Add 1.25c flour and mix until you have a pliable, smooth ball. If it's sticky, add a little flour (about a tsp at a time). If dry, dribble a little water. Kneed until smooth and elastic.
4. Put in glass bowl in warm room (pre-heat the oven or boil some water to heat the room) and cover with clean cloth. Let rise for 30-45 minutes or until at least double.
5. Punch down, form into ball again, and let rise for another 20-30 minutes.
6. Place on floured board and roll out to a rectangle about 1 foot across and 18 inches long.
7. Spray cookie sheet with olive oil and place dough on sheet.
8. Spray olive oil on top of bread and sprinkle with garlic, seasons, and cheese.
9. Use a pizza cutter to score the dough all the way to the sheet. Cut into 1 inch strips across plus one long cut down the center, lengthwise.
10. Bake at 450 for 20 minutes or until golden brown.
11. Serve with pizza sauce for dipping.