Garlic Breadsticks

Easy Breadsticks!

1 1/2 c. warm (105-115 degrees) water
1 Tbsp. sugar
1 Tbsp. yeast
1/2 tsp. salt
3-4 1/2 c. flour


In a large bowl, combine water, sugar, and yeast. Let stand for 10 minutes or until yeast is bubbly.  

Add salt and stir. Add 1 1/2 c. flour and mix well. Gradually add more flour (usually between 3-4 cups,) until dough starts to pull away from the sides of the bowl and it barely sticks to your finger.

Spray a glass or metal bowl with cooking spray or coat with oil and place dough in the bowl. Cover and allow to rise for 45 minutes or until doubled in bulk.

Remove from bowl and place on a lightly-floured surface. Spray a baking sheet with cooking spray. Roll into a rectangle and cut into 12 strips with a pizza cutter.

Roll out each piece of dough into a snake and then fold in half and twist the dough. Place on baking sheet and repeat with remaining pieces of dough.  Put them a few inches apart unless you want them to be connected when baked.

Cover pan and allow dough to rise for another 30 minutes. When there's about 15 minutes to go, preheat your oven to 425. When done rising, bake for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown. Rub some butter on top of the breadsticks  and sprinkle with garlic mixed with parmesan and parsley. For a sweet treat you could sprinkle them with cinnamon sugar. Enjoy!

Summer Squash Bread

Each year, we plant a small garden in our backyard. By we, I mean my husband. I watch it from the window - the planting, growing, and harvesting. But, when he brings me beautiful veggies like these, I want to start experimenting!

Maybe you've never heard of summer squash bread, but just think about zucchini bread - it's the same thing!!! This year, we planted summer squash (also known as crookneck squash) in our garden, so I need to start working on recipes to use the squash as it ripens. Unfortunately, I let these first ones ripen too much, so they are large and full of seeds. I ended up removing most of the seeds as I grated the squash for this recipe, but normally it isn't necessary.

Here's the recipe to make 2 loaves:

3 eggs, beaten
2 cups sugar
1 T. vanilla
1 T. cinnamon
½ cup applesauce
½ cup vegetable oil

Add all of the above ingredients in a large bowl, and mix until blended.

Add 2 cups grated summer squash. (It is not necessary to peel the squash, just wash and grate. If you want to take the time to remove the seeds, then go ahead, but it isn’t necessary unless you have a LOT of them.)

After blending again, add:
1 t. salt
1 t. baking soda
½ t. baking powder
3 cups flour (I add one cup at a time and mix well before adding more)Pour into 2 greased loaf pans, and bake at 325 for about 55-60 minutes, or until golden and set. Cool for at least 15 minutes before removing from pan, then slice.

My favorite way to eat any sweet bread is with cream cheese! Enjoy!