Breadsticks

Breadsticks are perfect for an on the go snack, a starter or a party piece. They are a very versatile snack, they allow a variation of ingredients and flavours depending on your theme or cuisine. I regularly bake breadsticks, they are gorgeous with hummus which is another one of my favourite healthy indulgences.

I have two flavour combinations which I often make; Paprika Breadsticks and Parmesan and Pancetta Breadsticks. The paprika recipe is one that I tend to make for an everyday snack, perfectly crisp with just the right amount of heat and absolutely delectable dipped in hummus.

The Parmesan and Pancetta recipe is one I pull out if I have family or friends coming over for a buffet style dinner or party. They're suitably moreish, chewy and salty; they go amazingly well with a sour cream dip.

I am often testing this recipe out with various flavours, so I urge you to do the same! Let me know how you get on.

Breadsticks

2x 75g Butter Melted

280g Plain Flour

31/2 tsp. Baking Powder

1 1/2 tsp. salt

225ml Milk

1 tbsp. Paprika (Paprika Recipe)
250g Parmesan Shavings (Parmesan & Pancetta Recipe)

3 Stripes Pancetta Sliced (Parmesan & Pancetta Recipe)

• Preheat the oven to 220oc. Place the butter on a lipped baking trays (both with 75g butter) and set to on side.
• In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder and salt and mix well.
• Stir in the milk until just moistened, do not over mix.
• At this point if you are making paprika breadsticks, add the paprika and mix. If you are making Parmesan and Pancetta breadsticks add 200g of the parmesan and add the sliced pancetta and mix well.
• Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead lightly for 3-4 minutes.
• Roll the dough out into a rectangle and using a knife sharpen the edges.
• At this point pop the baking trays into the oven until the butter is melted and then have the trays nearby for the breadsticks.
• Cut into 1.5cm wide stripes, lift the stripes one by one from the work surface and twist several times before putting them onto the trays.
• Give the breadsticks a good sprinkling of salt and pepper, or the remaining 50g of Parmesan if you are making the Parmesan and Pancetta Breadsticks.
• Out the trays into the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.