At Halloween time, I was recipe shopping for breadsticks, and I found that the prospects were grim (Rex says no pun intended). So, I merged a few of the recipes together, and I really liked the results. I’m thinking of it now because of the upcoming Superbowl–which I’m only interested in because of the appetizers we usually eat. Back to the breadsticks, here’s the know-how:

Garlicky Breadsticks

1 recipe deep dish pizza dough
optional add-ins for the breadsticks: 1/4 c. fresh herbs and/or 1 c. parmesan cheese, finely grated
1/3 c. olive oil
1/2 t. salt
2-3 cloves garlic

Mix the pizza dough recipe, using any add-ins you may be interested in, and then allow to rise the first time. Instead of greasing cake pans, grease 2 lipped cookie sheets with olive oil (either brush it on, for a light application, or pour it in and swirl it around, for a heavier one). After the first rise, heat the oven to 375 degrees, and divide the dough into 16? 20? pieces (now I can’t remember, but do whatever seems appropriate to your needs), and stretch the dough into long ropes and place on the greased cookie sheet; cover with plastic. Allow to rise an additional 20 minutes.

Meanwhile, in a mortar with a pestle, smash the garlic and salt together until the mixture forms a paste. Add the olive oil and allow it to seep while the bread rises and cooks (if you don’t have a mortar and pestle, smash the garlic with the side of your knife, sprinkle the salt on top, and run the knife blade back and forth over the garlic until a paste forms, then add it to a small bowl with the olive oil).

Bake the breadsticks for about 10-12 minutes, or until browned on top, one sheet at a time. Immediately out of the oven, brush the breadsticks with the garlic-infused oil, and allow to cool slightly before serving.

You can also top the breadsticks, before or after baking, with 1 c. shredded parmesan.