Italian Bread Sticks031910

3/4 c. warm water
1 pkg. yeast
1 tsp. salt
1/4 c. shortening
2 c. flour
1 tbsp. sugar

Dissolve yeast in water; add salt, sugar, shortening and half of flour. Beat vigorously until smooth. Mix in rest of flour, knead on floured board until smooth. Cover and let rise until double. Heat oven to 400 degrees. Divide dough in half and cut each half in 24 pieces. Roll each piece into pencil shape and place on greased cookie sheet. Brush with beaten egg, sprinkle with sesame, celery or poppy seed. Bake 20 to 25 minutes. Yield: 4 dozen.