Fast and Easy Bread-sticks

This recipe rescued me when I made tortellini soup and needed some good bread to go along with it. I didn't have time or patience to make homeade rolls or bread, these were so fast to put together and so good. My 4 year old ate 2 bowls of soup and 4 breadsticks all by himself! He LOVED them. I flavored mine with fresh garlic, dried basil, salt and pepper,(mixed these in with the melted butter) and a sprinkling of parmesean cheese. These remind me of the bread-sticks they serve at Pizza Factory, they turned out TDF, and I will be making these on a regular basis. The recipe makes between 20-25 breadsticks, depending on how thick or thin you cut them. I cut them about and inch wide, and then twisted them, but you can lay them flat if that's what you prefer. They would also make fabulous sweet bread-sticks if you sprinkle them with cinnamon and sugar, and then once they are out of the oven, dip them into some frosting....don't get me started!

Fast and Easy Bread-sticks

1 1/2 c. warm water
1 tbsp instant yeast
2 tbsp sugar
3 1/2 c. flour
1 tsp salt
3 tbsp butter, melted

Mix all ingredients except for melted butter in a large bowl or mixer, and then knead for about 3-4 minutes when dough comes together. Let dough rest for 10 minutes. Preheat oven to 375 degrees, and melt butter into a small bowl. Roll dough out into a rectangle about 1/4-1/2 inch thick. Cut dough into 1 inch strip with pizza cutter or knife. Grease jelly roll pan or cookie sheet, and twist each strip, and brush with butter, seasoning, cheese, etc. Cover dough with a cloth or pastic wrap, and let rise for 30 minutes in a warm place (on top of the preheated oven works best for me). Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden.