Olive Garden Bread Sticks

• 2 Tbsp. granulated sugar
• 3/4 tsp. active dry yeast
• 1 c. + 1 Tbsp. warm water (105-115 degrees)
• 16 oz. bread flour (3 c.)
• 1 1/2 tsp. salt
• 1/4 c. butter, softened (1/2 stick)

on top:

• 2 Tbsp. butter, melted
• 1/2 tsp. garlic salt

* Dissolve the sugar and yeast in warm water in a small bowl, let sit for 5 min. or until it comes foamy on the top.

* Combine the flour and salt in a large bowl. Use the paddle attachment on a stand mixer to mix the softened butter into the flour. If you don't have a stand mixer, use a mixing spoon to combine the butter with the flour.

* When the yeast mixture is foamy, pour into the flour mixture and use a dough hook on your mixture to combine ingredients and knead the dough for approximately 10 min. If you don't have a stand mixer, combine the ingredients and then knead the dough by hand on countertop for 10 min.

*Place dough in a covered container and let sit for 1-1.5 hrs., until it doubles in size. When the dough has doubles, measure out 2 oz. portions and roll the dough between your hands or on the countertop to form sticks that are 7" long.

*Place the dough on parchment paper-lined baking sheets, cover and set aside for 1-1.5 hrs., or until the dough doubles in size once again.

*Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Bake the breadsticks for 12 min. or until golden brown. When the breadsticks come out of the oven, immediately brush each one with melted butter and sprinkle with a little garlic salt.

from the kitchen of Rita MacCabe