Bread Stick

Dissolve the yeast in the warm water

Melt the butter or margarine and salt in the hot water, let it cool slightly and then combine with the dissolved yeast

Add 1 cup of sifted wheat flour and beat until the dough is smooth

Add the egg whites and mix well

Add the remaining wheat flour and knead for 5 minutes or until the dough is soft and elastic

Place the dough in a greased bowl, turn it to coat all sides, cover with a cloth, and let it rest at room temperature for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size

Punch down the dough, cover it again, and let it rise for another 45 minutes, or until it has doubled in size again

Punch down the dough once more, let it rest for an additional 15 minutes, then divide it into two equal portions

Place each portion on a flat surface and use a rolling pin to roll out each piece to a thickness of about 1/4 inch

Cut each rolled-out piece into squares about 5 inches on each side

Using the palm of your hand, shape each square into a stick by curling it up tight, then place the sticks in a greased baking dish

Cover the sticks with a cloth and let them rise for another 30 minutes

If desired, brush the sticks with a lightly beaten egg mixed with 1 tablespoon of water and sprinkle with sesame seeds

Bake the sticks in a moderate oven (170°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until golden brown

Yield: 16 bread sticks