Breadsticks

When I baked my first bread loaf a couple of months back, who knew a day would come when I will make bread whenever I choose, without even following a recipe? This is my first attempt at breadsticks- next time, I bake it a little less- but that apart, everything is perfect.

2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
1 cup warm water
1 tbsp sugar
3 cups flour
2 tbsp olive oil

2 tbsp grated cheese

salt and pepper to taste

In a large bowl, combine yeast, warm water (only about 1/3 cup), and sugar. Let stand for 10 minutes, until foamy.  If the yeast doesn't become foamy, let it rise for 10 minutes more- unless it is foamy, you are better off throwing it out and starting afresh

Add in flour and salt and mix well. Add the olive oil, and mix till crumbly.

Add the yeast, and knead for about 2 minutes. Add cheese and pepper and mix well. Cover the bowl and let rise for 15 minutes in a warm place. 

Deflate the dough, divide it into three equal parts, and pat each part into a thickish rectangle. Cut 1 cm wide strips, twist a few times, place on a greased baking tray and let it rise for about 15 minutes.

Preheat oven to 200°C.

Brush the top with some oil, and bake for 20-25 minutes till well browned and crispy.

Remove to a wire rack, and let it cool before serving. Serve with any hot soup.