Homemade Garlic Bread Sticks

Who doesn't want to take a bite of these?

Okay, maybe those of you who are afraid of carbs. In my opinion, carbs in bits and pieces are okay, especially when they are homemade and not store bought. So delight in eating one of these.

Every once in awhile, I'll pick up some delicious garlic bread sticks from the Hy-Vee bakery if I know we are having a pasta dinner. Lately, I've thought, I can surely make a replica of those, it can't be too hard. So after browsing some internet sites I found one that caught my eye.

We had these last night with fresh green beans and my last (boo) million dollar spaghetti from the freezer. Do you double dishes and freeze one? Genius, in my opinion.

Homemade Garlic Bread Sticks

2 3/4 c. flour

1 pkg yeast (follow direction on pkg to dissolve)

1 1/2 t. salt

1 T. sugar or agave nectar

1 c. water

1/4 c. butter, melted

1 T. parsley

garlic powder

In a large bowl combine 1/2 of the flour, half of the melted butter, yeast mixture, sugar, salt, parsley and water - mix. Add remaining flour and mix well. Remove dough to floured surface and knead for 10 minutes or until elastic (this took me about 8 minutes). Return to the bowl and let rest for 10-15 minutes.

Return dough to floured surface and roll into a long loaf about 1 inch thick. Using a pizza cutter, slice into strips of equal size. Take strip and twist, then lay on greased baking sheet. Using a brush, spread on remaining butter and sprinkle with garlic powder. Cover with towel, place in warm area and let rise for 45 minutes to an hour.

Bake at 350 degrees for 18-20 minutes, until just golden brown, do not over bake, you want these to be soft. Eat immediately, or store in an airtight container and they will keep for 3-5 days, simply reheat before eating.

This may sound like a long, tedious recipe, but trust me it's not! Much easier than you think, and so very worth the rewards!

Guess what tomorrow is? GIVEAWAY time! The lovely folks over at CSN Stores contacted me about hosting a giveaway for a $40 gift card to any of their online sites. This can go towards anything.

What do you need? A new mixer? Some new baking sheets? Heck, a new dining room centerpiece? You name it, they have it.

Stay tuned!

And on a final note - did anyone watch The Little Couple last night on TLC? Well, Bill (the husband) was at my former place of work speaking at their annual conference. Did you see it? I really miss that place!