Breadsticks

These breadsticks are fast and easy to make, and remind me of thinner versions of those found at Olive Garden (these are probably healthier than those too).

Breadsticks
Adapted from Betty Crocker "Baking Basics"
6 servings, 2 breadsticks each

Ingredients:
1 1/8 tsp active dry yeast
1/3 cup, plus 1/2 tbsp water
1/2 tbsp granulated sugar
1/2 tsp salt
1/8 cup, plus 1 tbsp olive oil
1 cup bread flour, all-purpose flour will work as well
1 egg
3/4 tsp coarse salt or sesame seed for topping, regular salt will work as well though use coarse salt if you have it available

1. Spray a baking sheet with cooking spray.

2. In a large bowl, place the yeast.

3. In a small saucepan, heat the water to 105-115F degrees - make sure to not overheat the water, as you will kill the yeast otherwise.

4. Pour the water over the yeast and stir until the yeast is dissolved.

5. Stir in the sugar, 1/8 cup oil, and 1/2 cup flour until smooth.

6. With a rubber spatula or wooden spoon, stir in enough of the remaining flour until the dough is soft, leaves sides of the bowl, and is easy to handle.

7. Lightly flour a countertop and transfer dough to floured surface. Knead dough for roughly 5 minutes until it is smooth and springy.

8. Shape dough into a roughly 10 inch long log.

9. Divide into 12 roughly equal pieces. Roll each piece to make a rope-like breadstick - how long you roll them will depend on whether or not you want a thin or thick breadstick. I opted for somewhere in between.

10. Place 1 inch apart on the baking sheet and brush with the remaining olive oil.

11. Cover loosely with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place for 20 minutes.

12. Preheat the oven to 350F degrees.

13. Separate the egg, preserving the egg white. Beat the egg white with the remaining water.

14. Brush the egg white mixture over the breadsticks and sprinkle with salt or sesame seeds.

15. Bake 20-25 minutes until golden brown.

These might not look the best, but they taste great, especially fresh out of the oven

16. Enjoy!

Nutritional Info per Serving:
Calories 143; Total Fat 7g; Cholesterol 18mg; Sodium 202mg; Total Carbs 16g; Protein 3g