French Bread Sticks
1 pkg (2½ tsp) dry yeast
1¼ C warm water
3 Tbsp shortening
1½tsp salt
3-4 C flour
1 egg white beaten with 1 Tbsp water
Seeds for toppings: sesame, caraway, poppy, rock salt, etc
Dissolve yeast in warm water. Add shortening and salt. Then add flour 2C at a time. Mix with a spoon and hands until dough is easy to handle. Turn out on a lightly floured board, cover and let rest for 10 minutes. Kneed until smooth and elastic, 8-10 minutes. Place dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover and let rise until doubled.. Punch down, cover and let double again. Punch down and let rest for 15 minutes. Shape dough into 8” sticks. Place on lightly greased, corn meal coated, baking sheet. Brush with egg white and water mixture and sprinkle with your choice of toppings.
Bake 20-25 minutes in a 375 degree oven.