Description
Romantic heart-shaped breadsticks showcase love through Italian culinary artistry. Crisp herbal edges and delicate parmesan whispers promise an intimate dining experience you’ll cherish with your special someone.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2.5 cups (591 ml) all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (237 ml) warm water (110°F or 43°C)
- 2.5 tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 2 tbsps olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 3 tbsps unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 0.5 tsp Italian seasoning
- 0.25 cup (30 g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Yeast Activation: Whisk yeast with warm water and sugar in a large mixing bowl until frothy, signaling the yeast’s vitality after 5 minutes.
- Dough Preparation: Blend olive oil, salt, and flour into the yeast mixture. Knead thoroughly on a floured surface until the dough becomes smooth and elastic, developing a silky consistency that springs back when touched.
- Proofing Process: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a towel, and rest in a warm environment until it doubles in size, approximately 1 hour.
- Shaping and Preheating: Warm the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Divide the risen dough into 12 equal segments, rolling each into an 8-inch rope and forming heart shapes by bending and pinching the ends together.
- Baking: Position heart-shaped breadsticks on the prepared sheet, leaving space between each. Bake for 12-15 minutes until they transform into a golden-brown, appetizing delicacy.
- Finishing Touches: Craft a garlic butter glaze by mixing melted butter with garlic powder and Italian seasoning. Brush the warm breadsticks generously, then sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan and chopped parsley.
- Serving: Present the heart-shaped breadsticks alongside marinara or Alfredo sauce, creating a romantic culinary experience perfect for Valentine’s Day.
Notes
- Yeast Activation Precision: Ensure water temperature is between 100-110°F to activate yeast without killing it, guaranteeing perfect dough rise.
- Dough Kneading Technique: Knead for 8-10 minutes to develop gluten, creating a soft, stretchy texture that holds the heart shape beautifully.
- Rising Environment Control: Place dough in a warm, humid spot like near a preheated oven or inside a turned-off oven with a pan of hot water to optimize fermentation.
- Shaping Masterclass: Use consistent pressure when forming heart shapes to maintain uniform size and prevent uneven baking, ensuring professional-looking breadsticks.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Snacks, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 11
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 200 mg
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 21 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg