Bread Sticks (Straight-dough method)

1 ½ c. bread flour ½ pkg. Rapid Rise yeast (app. 1 tsp)

1 ½ t. sugar ½ c. water

1 tsp. salt

1 Tbsp. margarine

1. Set aside ½ c bread flour. Mix remaining bread flour, sugar, salt, & yeast.2. Heat water and margarine until hot to touch (app. 110 degrees F.)3. Stir into dry mixture. Mix in enough additional flour to make a soft dough.4. On lightly floured surface, knead until smooth and elastic, about 5-8 min.5. Place in greased bowl, cover and place in microwave. Also place an 8oz.

glass of hot water in microwave. Heat 3 min. at 10% power. Rest 3 min. then repeat. Rest an additional 3 min.

6. Preheat oven to 400 F.7. Divide dough into 8 equal pieces. Roll each into an 8” rope.*8. Place on lightly greased baking sheet. Cover and let rise 15 min.9. Bake at 400 F. for 15 min. until golden brown.10. Remove from baking sheet and cool on wire cooling rack.

Yield: 8 bread sticks

*If making soft pretzels shape each 8”