best bite breadsticks

First let's get outta the way that I am in no way, shape or form much of a cook.

But I just try new recipes.

Since my Mom-in-Law gave me this cookbook, 

I feel it my duty to try everything with a drooling-effect photo.

I always do that with new cookbooks.

I'm definitely no photographer, per the phone camera shots below.

See, I was in a rush taking this yummy chowder (husband approved, kids didn't like) 

and breaksticks to a girl who just had a baby. 

I was totally intimidated, as usual by making bread of any sort.

I couldn't shape them the way the recipe called for, so I opted for blobs.

 Plus, I was hurrying to just whip them out in time.

But man, they were

TASTY.

A definite "try again" and "per-fect". 

I could see myself make these often since they were such a hit with the fam.

I used butter, garlic salt and parmesan cheese after the oven, 

but just butter or cinnamon sugar would be splendid as well.

Oh and best tip they suggested? 

Spray your countertop with cooking spray, instead of all the flour.

It makes SO much less of a mess!!

The lovely dough blobs.

My fancy "throw these on a plate and take bursting hot out the door" look.

Breadsticks

from Best Bites

1 1/2 c. warm (105-115 degrees) water
1 Tbsp. sugar
1 Tbsp. yeast
1/2 tsp. salt
3-4 1/2 c. flour

In a large bowl (the bowl of your mixer, if you have one), combine water, sugar, and yeast. Let stand for 10 minutes or until yeast is bubbly.

Add salt and stir. Add 1 1/2 c. flour and mix well. Gradually add more flour (usually between 3-4 cups, depending on your elevation and your humidity) until dough starts to pull away from the sides of the bowl and it barely sticks to your finger.

 Spray a glass or metal bowl with cooking spray and place dough in the bowl. Cover and allow to rise for 45 minutes or until doubled in bulk.

Remove from bowl and place on a lightly-floured surface. Spray a baking sheet with cooking spray. Roll into a rectangle and cut into 12 strips with a pizza cutter.

Roll out each piece of dough into a snake and then drape over your forefinger and twist the dough. Place on baking sheet and repeat with remaining 11 pieces of dough. Try to space them evenly, but it's okay if they're close; pulling apart hot bread is one of life's greatest pleasures!

Cover pan and allow dough to rise for another 30 minutes. When there's about 15 minutes to go, preheat your oven to 425. When done rising, bake for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown. Rub some butter on top of the breadsticks (just put a ziploc bag on your hand, grab some softened butter, and have at it) and sprinkle with garlic bread seasoning or the powdery Parmesan cheese in a can and garlic salt. Or you could sprinkle them with cinnamon sugar.