Quick 'n Easy Bread Sticks

Step 1: Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.

Step 2: Combine the warm water, brown sugar, and yeast in a small glass bowl or mixing cup. Let stand until foamy. If it doesn't foam, throw it away and start over with new yeast.

Step 3: In a mixing bowl, place the flour and salt, stirring to combine. Add the yeast mixture and the oil. Stir until all ingredients are wet. Then knead the dough a few turns while in the bowl, until uniformly smooth. The dough will begin to feel a bit elastic.

Step 4: To make the breadsticks, you can either roll the dough out into a 10x12 rectangle and cut into 15 strips. But I find it better and easier to take a small ball of dough, roll it between my palms or on a floured surface, to make the sticks. Take the sticks and give them one or two twists, then lay them on the baking sheet. Let rise for about 20 minutes.

Step 5: Bake for 15 minutes.

Options: brush the breadsticks with butter, then sprinkle garlic salt and/or parmesan and/or rosemary while rising, or immediately after baking. You can also choose to make these with canola oil instead of olive oil, brush with melted butter and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar.