French Bread Sticks

  

My family loves pasta and they also love when I make French Bread or even better, French Bread Sticks!  They're the perfect size to dip into your favorite sauce or swirl around your plate.  When I make them with pasta I like to brush on some butter and then sprinkle on garlic powder and salt.  For more of a dessert style all you have to do is make them, brush them with butter and then sprinkle on some cinnamon and sugar.  You can even make this recipe into a loaf of bread and slather on some butter.  No matter what way, it's delicious!

   

Ingredients are as follows:

1 1/4 C warm water

2 tsp. sugar

1 (1/4 oz or 7 grams) package yeast

1 Tbsp. butter, softened

1 tsp. salt

3-4 C flour

*optional

melted butter

garlic powder 

salt

Directions:

Preheat oven to 375 degrees; grease a cookie sheet. 

Place the warm water, sugar and yeast into a bowl; let proof for five minutes.

In another bowl, mix 3 cups of flour, salt and butter together.

Pour in the yeast mixture.

Mix until the dough comes together and it doesn't stick when you touch it; gradually add the last cup of flour if needed.   Knead for five minutes.

Place in a greased bowl and cover with plastic wrap.

Allow to rise for about an hour; until doubled in size.

Roll out (on a floured surface) into a 12 x 20 inch rectangle.

Cut in half lengthways and then into individual sticks; place onto cookie sheet.  Cover with a towel and let rise for another 20-30 minutes.

Bake for 13-15 minutes; until golden brown.

Brush on some melted butter, then sprinkle on garlic powder and salt.

Take a bite and enjoy!

 To make this into a loaf of bread: 
Roll out the dough then roll it up lengthways and place onto the cookie sheet.  Brush with cold water and make a few cuts across the top of the dough; allow to rise an additional 20-30 minutes. 
Bake for 35-40 minutes; until golden brown.