Crisp Bread Sticks

Ingredients

• 2.25 teaspoons Active dry yeast (Equivalent to 1 yeast cake)
• 0.25 cup Lukewarm water
• 1 Egg white
• 3.75 cups All-purpose flour
• 0.5 cup Milk
• 2 tablespoons Butter, melted
• 1 tablespoon Sugar
• 0.5 teaspoon Salt

Instructions

1. 1Dissolve the active dry yeast in lukewarm water. Let stand for 5-10 minutes, or until foamy.
2. 2In a separate bowl, combine the milk, melted butter, sugar, and salt. Heat slightly until lukewarm. Add the dissolved yeast mixture and the egg white (well beaten).
3. 3Gradually add the flour to the wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.
4. 4Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 5-7 minutes, or until smooth and elastic.
5. 5Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover and let rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
6. 6Punch down the dough. Divide the dough into small portions (about 1 inch in diameter). Roll each portion on a clean, unfloured surface with your hands until it is about 8 inches in length, keeping a uniform size and rounded ends. To achieve rounded ends, bring your fingers close to, but not over, the ends of the sticks.
7. 7Place the shaped bread sticks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover and let rise for 30 minutes.
8. 8Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake for 10-15 minutes, then reduce heat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for another 10 minutes, or until golden brown and crisp.
9. 9Let the bread sticks cool on a wire rack before serving. They should be crisp and dry.