Italian Bread Sticks

Directions

1. 1
   In mixing bowl, dissolve yeast in water.
2. 2
   Add salt, sugar, shortening and half the flour.
3. 3
   Beat vigorously until smooth.
4. 4
   Mix in rest of flour.
5. 5
   Knead on floured cloth-covered board until smooth, about 5 minutes.
6. 6
   Cover; let rise 1 hour, until double in bulk.
7. 7
   Heat oven to 400°.
8. 8
   Divide in half.
9. 9
   Cut each half into 24 pieces.
10. 10
    Roll each into pencil shapes, 6, 8 or 10 inches (depending on how thick you like the sticks).
11. 11
    Place on greased baking sheet 1 inch apart.
12. 12
    Brush with beaten egg (add 1 tablespoon water to 1 egg).
13. 13
    Sprinkle with sesame, celery or poppy seed, corn meal or coarse salt.
14. 14
    Bake 20 to 25 minutes until golden brown.
15. 15
    Makes 48.