Twisted Parmesan Breadsticks

Yield: 

12 large breadsticks
Ingredients: 

1 cup warm water (110-115 degrees F)
1 package (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
Pinch of sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 1/2 to 3 cups all-purpose or bread flour
3/4 cup fresh shredded Parmesan cheese
Garlic salt, for sprinkling
1/3 cup melted butter, for brushing
Instructions: 

1.
Combine the warm water, yeast, and pinch of sugar in a medium-size
mixing bowl (or in a bread machine pan). Stir and let rest for about 10
minutes, until foamy.

2. *Add 1 cup of the flour and stir; then add the salt and another
cup of flour. Stir well, and add additional flour as needed until you
can turn the dough onto a lightly-floured surface and begin kneading.
Knead for about 5 minutes, until dough is smooth and elastic. Place
dough back in mixing bowl (scrape out residue first if needed) and
lightly oil the top of the dough. Cover with a clean cloth and let rise
in a warm place until doubled in size (60-90 minutes).

3. Gently deflate dough. Turn onto a lightly-floured surface,
kneading out large air bubbles if needed. Then, roll dough into a large
rectangle, about 12×16 inches or even slightly larger. Be sure the
bottom of the dough is lightly floured so it doesn’t stick to the
counter when you try to lift the breadsticks later.

4. Sprinkle the Parmesan cheese over one half of the rectangle
lengthwise. Sprinkle lightly with garlic salt. Fold dough in half
lengthwise, to enclose the Parmesan cheese.

5. Using a pizza cutter or sharp knife, cut dough from top to bottom (starting at the fold) into 12 equal strips.

6. Grease a large baking sheet (13×18-inches) or two smaller baking
sheets — or, use a silicone liner (my favorite!). Pick up each strip of
cheesy dough and twist several times, pulling into a breadstick about
12 inches long as you twist. If any of the cheese falls out, just roll
the bread stick in it after it’s twisted to pick up the cheese that
fell. Place breadsticks on the baking sheet, allowing 1/4 to 1/2 inch
between each breadstick.

7. Cover with a clean towel and let rise in a warm place for about 20 minutes. Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.

8. Uncover breadsticks and brush lightly with the melted butter. Sprinkle with additional garlic salt. Bake breadsticks for 15-20 minutes, until lightly browned on top and “springy” to the touch. Serve hot or warm.