Garlic and Parmesan bread sticks

This recipe is a repost of one of the first recipes posted, with some minor changes.

One of our favourite places to go out for dinner is Olive Garden. I like their service. As soon as you place your order, they bring you a basket of freshly baked bread sticks and salad. I love that place, love their food and mostly, love their bread sticks!! Unfortunately, this restaurant is way across town from us, and going out for dinner often involves a long wait for a table. Since I like to bake, I decided to try and  make some bread sticks at home. They came out great!  Now, this has become a staple with our Italian meals.

Today I made some Minestrone Soup for my husband who was coming home for lunch and to complete the meal, I baked a batch of this wonderful and delicious bread sticks to go with it.

This is an easy recipe to make and I hope that if you are like me, (one that likes her bread) you'll give this recipe a try.

Enjoy!

                                                                 Garlic and Parmesan bread sticks

Ingredients:

1 tbsp yeast

1/4 cup warm milk

1/2 tsp sugar

1/4 cup butter (or margarine), softened

1 1/4  cup water
1/2 cup whole wheat flour

2 1/2 to 3 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 tsp salt

2 tbsp butter, melted

3 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese

2 tsp garlic powder 

Dissolve yeast and sugar in the warm milk; stir and let stand in a warm place until foamy.

Place softened margarine into the mixer's bowl; add foamed yeast and using the paddle attachment beat them together to mix. 

Add the water, the whole wheat flour and 1 cup of the all-purpose flour and continue to beat for about 2-3 minutes or until air bubbles start to form.(You can also do this part using a hand-held mixer).

Change to the hook attachment and with the mixer running on low, add more of the remaining flour, as needed to knead a smooth and elastic dough, about 4 minutes. (You can also do this part using a wood spoon and then knead in the remaining flour with your hands).

Turn dough onto a floured surface, and if sticky add more flour and knead into a smooth ball. Place into greased bowl turning once to grease top. Cover with a plastic wrap and let rise until doubles, for about 45 minutes.

Punch the dough down unto a floured surface  and press it out with hands into a 9 X 12 inches long flat rectangular. Using a sharp knife, cut  it in two lengthwise, and then across into eight sections to get 16 pieces.

Shape each buy rolling with your fingers into  6-inch long ropes and place them, 1/2 inch apart, on a greased, 12 X 17 inch baking  sheet. Cover and let rise for another 30 minutes.

Brush each with melted butter, sprinkle with garlic powder and Parmesan cheese. 

Bake at 375 F preheated oven for 15-18 minutes or until golden brown. Serve warm.

Serve with your favorite pasta dish or try my recipe  of  " Pasta Primavera"  or Minestrone Soup recipe.

Makes:16 bread sticks

Happy Baking!

Leia