Tuesday, December 24, 2013

Olive Garden Breadsticks

These breadsticks are delicious. One time Mom and Dad were on a trip, and we had three in the freezer to eat with dinner. Damon went and ate all three as a snack. Elena and I were not happy! Today he helped make them...but he only got his fair share tonight.


When I was small, I didn't really get what all the fuss about Olive Garden was. Then one day at Olive Garden, I suddenly was in love! The fettucine alfredo, zupa toscana, and—of course—the breadsticks, are my favorites. And all of them I can make at home!


Considering there's no Olive Garden in Russia, I'll be deprived for two years—so it's a very good thing I don't have to fly 9 hours to get their food. These breadsticks are slightly more dense than the originals, but every bit as good and garlicky.


I only make these breadsticks occasionally, as they go with Italian food in my mind. Tonight is Christmas Eve, and we had an Olive Garden-themed meal: zupa toscana and breadsticks. It hit the spot.


Olive Garden Breadsticks
Total time: 2 hours
Makes 10-15

Ingredients:
Breadsticks:
1 1/2 cups warm water (between 110-120 degrees Fahrenheit)
1 package or 2 1/2 tsp active dry yeast
4 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
2 Tbs. unsalted butter, melted
2 Tbs. sugar
1 Tbs. salt

Topping:
4 Tbs. unsalted butter
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp salt

Directions:
1. In a large bowl, dissolve sugar and yeast in warm water and allow to sit for 10 minutes, covered. Mixture should be frothy.
2. In separate bowl, combine flour and salt.
3. Add to yeast mixture. Add melted butter. Mix with paddle attachment of stand mixer or wooden spoon until fully combined.
4. Knead dough for a few minutes just until dough is smooth. Do not overknead!
5. Grease a cookie sheet. Pull off pieces of dough and roll out into strips.
6. Cover the dough and let sit in a warm place for 45 minutes to an hour.
7. Preheat your oven to 400ºF and once heated, pop in the bread sticks for 6-7 minutes. Combine topping ingredients in a microwave. Brush breadsticks with half the mixture. Bake for 10-15 more minutes then spread on the rest of the topping.

Recipe adapted from: http://fullbellies.blogspot.ru/2011/05/HOMEMADE-OLIVE-GARDEN-BREAD-STICKS.HTML

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