Grissini

Method

• In a mixing bowl, stir together flour, yeast, and salt. Combine warm water and oil in a liquid measuring cup. Using an electric mixer, fitted with hooks, start mixing the flour mixture on a low speed and slowly pour in about 3/4 of the water-olive oil mixture. Continue mixing until the dough no longer sticks to the sides of the bowl and forms a ball. If the dough doesn’t readily form a ball, add the remaining liquid, 1 tablespoon at a time, and process until the dough is smooth and elastic and forms a ball. Transfer dough to a lightly greased large bowl, cover with plastic wrap and let the dough rise at room temperature until doubled in size, 1 1/2 – 2 hours.
• Adjust oven racks to upper-middle and lower-middle positions and preheat the oven to 350F / 180C. Line 2 baking sheets (best if rimmed) with parchment paper. Combine the ingredients for the seasoning mix, if using, in a small bowl.
• Press down the dough to deflate and transfer it onto a lightly floured counter. Divide in half with a bench scraper. Working with one piece of dough at a time (keep the second piece covered with plastic), roll the dough into a 12 x 8-inch rectangle. Using a pizza wheel, cut the rectangle crosswise into 3/4-inch-wide strips (about 15 strips). Fold each strip in half and gently roll to form a 4-inch-long log. Let logs rest, covered with greased plastic wrap, for about 5 minutes.
• On a slightly damp counter, roll each log into a thin rope, about 20 inches long, and transfer it to prepared sheets. Lightly spray ropes with oil spray and sprinkle with seasoning mixture.
• Place both baking sheets in the oven; one on the upper rack, the other on the lower rack. Bake until breadsticks are golden brown, 25 – 30 minutes, switching and rotating sheets halfway through baking. Slide parchment with breadsticks onto wire racks, and allow to cool down and dry completely, about 2 hours, before serving.