Twisted Garlic Breadsticks

Sometimes I get a hankering for a yummy appetizer. After eating at a popular pizza restaurant, I decided to try and copycat their delicious garlic bread sticks...with a twist.

These breadsticks are so good you will have to double the recipe. Everyone will eat two or three. Fortunately, they are very simple to make. Serve them with warmed marinara or Alfredo dipping sauces.

Ingredients for a single order (double this if your have hungry folks):

• 2 cans of ready made pizza crust - uncooked (I use Pillsbury)
• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil (EVOO)
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• Pepperoni slices (I use turkey pepperoni because it is less greasy)
• Garnish: dried and flaked thyme (Or oregano, or rosemary)
• Optional: a jar of marinara and a jar of Alfredo sauces for dipping.

Additional Supplies:

• Cookie sheet
• non-stick baking pad or parchment paper
• small bowl
• pizza cutter and cutting board
• basting brush
• measuring cups and spoons
• oven
• Hot pad hand protectors
• kitchen timer

Directions:

1. Line a cookie sheet with a non-stick pad (or parchment paper, or foil sprayed with non-stick cooking spray)
2. Put the olive oil in a bowl and add the garlic powder, then stir.
3. Open both cans of pizza dough and using a pizza cutter, cut in the widest direction, 1 inch strips.
4. Lay only half of the strips on the lined cookie sheet.
5. Sprinkle the strips of dough with equal portions of shredded mozzarella cheese.
6. Lay a few slices of pepperoni over the cheese.
7. Next, lay the other half of pizza dough strips on top to make little sandwiches.
8. Now, pinch each end of the breadsticks and down the sides (don't worry if the cheese or pepperoni stick out.
9. With one end twist it over two or three times.
10. Repeat with all breadsticks.
11. PREHEAT THE OVEN TO 425f DEGREES AT THIS POINT.
12. Brush each breadstick with the garlic olive oil.
13. When the oven reaches the temperature, bake approximately 12-18 minutes. They will look golden brown like the photo.
14. When they are done, remove from the oven and brush them again with the garlic olive oil and sprinkle with dried oregano or thyme or rosemary.
15. Serve hot with warmed dipping sauces.

Yield: 6 breadsticks

Dee-lish-us eating!