Olive Garden Breadsticks

1 1/2 cups tepid water
2 tbs caster sugar
2 tsp dry yeast powder
500g bread flour
2 tsp salt
45g unsalted butter, melted
15g unsalted butter, extra
pinch of salt
good pinch of garlic powder or garlic granules

Mix water, sugar and yeast together in a bowl. Leave for 10 minutes to allow the yeast to activate.

Mix flour, melted butter, salt and the yeast mixture. Stir to combine, using the handle of a wooden spoon. Knead until it is smooth and elastic.

Divide the dough into 12 equal balls and roll each one into a rope.

Place each rope onto a baking tray lined with baking paper and cover with a towel and leave to rise in a warm place for 1 hour. You want to avoid drafts.

Preheat the oven to 180 degrees celsius (fan-forced) towards the end of the 1 hour rising period.

Bake the breadsticks for 15 minutes.

Remove from the oven and brush with melted butter and sprinkle garlic salt while the sticks are still warm.

These are great with an otherwise ordinary bowl of soup.

Try these with other herb and spice combinations such as garlic oregano and salt, cinnamon and sugar, everything bagel seasoning. mix of garlic powder, onion powder, chilli flakes, parsley and sesame seeds. Apply these with melted butter as above.

This dough works with or without the butter. I like to add slightly less flour to created a more hydrated and soft dough.

The folding technique works rather than kneading for this recipe if preferred, its also easier.