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1
For the bread sticks:
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2
Pour yeast into a small bowl with 1/4 cup warm water and a pinch of sugar. Stir well. Allow yeast to proof until bubbly and active, about 5-10 minutes.
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3
In the bowl of a stand mixer add the proofed yeast, warm milk, oil, egg, sugar, salt and 1 1/2 cups of the flour.
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4
With the paddle attachment, on low speed mix ingredients for five minutes. The batter should be smooth.
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5
Change to the dough hook and add 1 cup of flour. Mix on low speed until flour is incorporated. Add only enough remaining flour, a little at a time, until a medium soft dough forms. The dough should be tacky, but not sticky.
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6
Continue to knead the dough in the mixer or by hand on a lightly floured countertop until smooth and elastic. There will be very small bubbles just under the surface of the dough when it has been kneaded enough.
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7
Gather dough into a ball. Place into a greased bowl, turn dough over once so that the entire dough surface is lightly coated with oil. Cover bowl with a slightly damp kitchen towel and let rest for 30 minutes.
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8
Punch dough down and work out the large yeasty bubbles. Divide into 16 equal sized pieces. The use of a kitchen scale will help to make the pieces equal in weight, if you care about that sort of thing.
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9
Working each piece of dough against the countertop, form 16 ropes, each about 6-inches long.
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10
Using two parchment lined or well greased baking sheets, place 8 ropes on each sheet. Cover with a damp kitchen towel and allow to rise in a warm place for 30 minute. Towards the end of the rising period, preheat oven to 375 F.
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11
When done rising, put the pans into the oven and bake at 375 F for 15-20 minutes until golden brown.
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12
For the garlic bread topping:
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13
In a small mixing bowl, mix together all of the topping ingredients. The ingredients can also be placed in a jar and shaken.
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14
Melt 6 tablespoons of butter in a small bowl in the microwave. Stir 1 tablespoon of the garlic bread topping into the melted butter, then brush each hot bread stick with the mixture. Serve.
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15
The remaining mix can easily be stored in the jar in the refrigerator.
