Breadstick Sticks

Everyone loves Stick! And now you and your child can bake your own.

Ingredients 

Makes 18 breadsticks

• 250g strong wholemeal bread flour 
• ½tsp quick yeast 
• ½tsp sugar 
• A pinch of salt 
• 160ml warm water 
• 1½tbsp olive oil 

To serve

• Fresh basil leaves 
• 2 slices gouda cheese 
• 1tbsp cream cheese 

Method 

• Place the flour in a large bowl with the yeast, sugar and salt. Mix together until combined. 
• Add the water and olive oil to the flour, then mix well with your hands to form a dough. 
• Tip out on to a clean work surface and knead for around 10 minutes until the dough stops being sticky and becomes more elastic. If it remains sticky after 10 minutes, add a little flour and knead for a minute or two longer. 
• Oil a large bowl or pan and place the dough inside. Cover and leave to rise for around an hour until the dough has doubled in size. 
• Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 200C/400F/gas 6 and oil two baking trays. 
• Once the dough has doubled in size, knead it gently a couple of times to knock it back then divide it up into approximately 18 equal pieces. 
• Form each piece into a long, thin stick. 
• Place the breadsticks on the oiled tray and bake for 8 to 10 minutes. Remove from the oven and allow to cool. 
• Once completely cool, cut a slit in the top of each breadstick and use the tip of the knife to push a small basil leaf into each one. 
• Using a mini cutter, cut circles of gouda cheese for the eyes. Cut tiny circles from spare basil leaves and use to make the pupils. 
• Add two eyes to each breadstick, fixing them in place with a small dab of cream cheese. Serve immediately.