Sourdough Breadsticks

Ingredients

• 1 cup warm water
• 3 tablespoons white sugar, divided 
• 1 teaspoon active dry yeast 
• 4 cups flour  
• 1 teaspoon salt 
• 1 cup sourdough starter 
• 1 large egg, separated 
• Oil

Instructions

1. Prepare two large baking sheets, lining each of them with parchment paper or silicone baking pads.
2. In a small bowl, combine the water and 2 tablespoons sugar, stirring until the sugar is dissolved.
3. Add the yeast to the sugar water and let sit until foamy, about 10-15 minutes.
4. Meanwhile, in a large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt and remaining sugar.
5. In a medium bowl, whisk together the sourdough starter and egg yolk; whisk the egg white lightly and reserve in the refrigerator.
6. Pour yeast and sourdough mixtures over the flour mixture, and stir or knead with your hands until dough starts to form and all dry ingredients are incorporated.
7. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured work surface and knead into a smooth ball.
8. Oil the inside of a large bowl, place the dough inside and cover with a cloth. Let rise for about 2 hours.
9. Punch down dough and divide into 12 portions.
10. Roll the dough out into small balls, then shape into 3- to 4-inch-long sticks.
11. Divide the bread sticks between the two prepared pans. Cover with cloths and let rest for 45 minutes.
12. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
13. Bake the breadsticks in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes, or until lightly browned.
14. Remove one pan at a time and brush the tops with the reserved egg white.
15. Return the pans to to the oven and continue baking until medium brown, about 10 more minutes.
16. Enjoy plain alongside your favorite pasta dish, or dip them in marinara or other dipping sauce.

The original recipe for these perfectly soft breadsticks can be found here.