Bread Sticks - Helen Thomas

1 c warm water (105 - 115 degrees)
1 tablespoon active dry yeast
1 tablespoon sugar
2 1/2 - 3 c flour
1 teaspoon salt

add yeast and sugar to water, put a plate over the mixture to keep warm. when 1/2 and inch of foam has formed on the mixture pour into a mixing bowl. stir in 1 c of flour. add salt and another cup of flour. gradually add enough flour to form a ball. pour dough out onto a floured counter and kneed in flour as needed so dough is soft not sticky. kneed 8 - 10 min.

if making bread sticks: cover and let dough double. punch down and roll out. place in baking tray. cut with a pizza cutter and top with garlic salt and parmesan cheese. let raise a little and bake at 375 for 7 - 10 min.

if making pretzels: divide dough into 8 -12 pieces. cover with towel and raise for 5 -6 min. roll each piece into a 14 - 16 inch rope (1/2 inch diameter). twist into shape by making a loop with ends crossing at the bottom. twist the end again so that they are twisted twice. bring the ends up and lay them across the top of the loop. carefully turn the pretzel over and place on a baking tray (lightly greased if not teflon). beat and egg white with 1 tablespoon of water and brush onto pretzel (helps hold the toppings on the pretzel). sprinkle the pretzel with course salt, salad supreme, garlic salt, parmesan cheese or cinnamon sugar. bake 15 - 20 min at 400 - 425 degrees or until golden brown.