Buttery Garlic Breadsticks ~ Day 94

These soft, buttery, garlic breadsticks were super easy to make and turned out absolutely delicious.  And it is a breeze to make the dough in a stand mixer.  So, if you don't own one, it is time to invest in one and start baking.  You will love it.

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 Preparation time: 10 minutes + 2 1/2 hours (for proofing)

Cooking time: 12 to 15 minutes

Yields: 12 

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Recipe source: The Comfort of Cooking

Ingredients:

For the dough:

• Bread flour - 3 cups
• Warm Water - 1 and 1/4 cup
• Instant yeast - 1 and 1/2 tsp
• Granulated Sugar - 2 tbsp
• Sea salt - 1 and 1/2 tsp
• Melted butter - 3 tbsp

For the garlic butter:

• Melted butter - 3 tbsp
• Salt - 1/2 tsp
• Italian seasoning - 1 tsp ( I used Trader Joe's 21 seasoning Salute)
• Garlic powder - 1 tsp
• I also used 1/2 tsp each dried oregano and basil

Method:

1. Place all the ingredients for the dough (except the flour), in a stand mixer with a dough hook attached.
2. Start on low speed and a gradually add the flour.  Once combined, knead the dough on medium speed for 7 to 8 minutes, or until smooth and elastic.
3. Remove the dough and lightly oil the mixing bowl.  Place the dough back into the bowl and cover with a dry towel.  Let it rise for 1 and 1/2 hours or until doubled in size.
4. If you don't have a stand mixer, place all the ingredients in a large mixing bowl.  Slowly add the flour and combine.  Knead the dough by hand for 10 minutes or until smooth and elastic.  Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover and let it rise for 1 and 1/2 hours.
5. Divide the dough into 12 equal portions.  Roll each piece of dough into a 7-inch log.  Place the logs on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.  Cover the tray and let it rise for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
6. Preheat the over to 400 degrees F.  Bake the breadsticks for 12 to 15 minutes, or until golden brown.  Bake six at a time or divide the logs into two trays.
7. Meanwhile, combine the ingredients for the garlic butter.  Remove breadsticks from the oven and immediately brush with  butter mixture.
8. Serve warm.