Cheesy Whole Grain Breadsticks with Spicy Tomato Dipping Sauce

cheesy breadsticks
with spicy tomato dipping sauce
and a side salad

Sometimes even making a pizza seems like too much work.  On nights like that, or for dinners meant to be eaten on the run, I have turned a pizza inside out with these delicious cheese breadsticks.  My kids think it is fun to eat one thing that counts as a whole meal and I like how quick and simple it is.  I have made them in regular shapes, circles, pretzel shapes, whatever makes my kids laugh and interested in dinner.  If your kids don't mind bits of green or red, you could easily mix some of their favorite veggies right into the dough, or just serve a few cut up vegetables on the side.  I have added a recipe for making your own tomato dipping sauce, but your favorite canned pizza or pasta sauce would work as well, and as everyone knows, kids love foods that you can dip.  So get mixing and whip up these kid friendly dinner treats tonight!!


Cheesy Breadsticks

ingredients

1 C. organic whole wheat pastry flour

1 – 1 1/2 C. organic whole wheat flour

2 T. wheat germ

2 T. ground flax seed

1/2 tsp. garlic salt

1 T. dried Italian seasoning

1 package quick rising instant yeast

1 C. hot water

2 T. extra virgin olive oil

2 C. Italian cheese blend (any cheese will work)

1 green bell pepper, finely diced, optional

dough resting

In a large bowl, mix 2 cups of flour, the wheat germ, flax seed, garlic salt, Italian seasoning and yeast. Stir in the hot water and the olive oil. Gradually add in enough of the remaining flour to make a soft dough.  Carefully mix in the cheese and chopped bell pepper. Knead on a floured surface until smooth and elastic and then shape the dough into a ball. Cover with a damp towel and let rest for about 10 minutes. Form the dough into 6 inch long breadsticks, or desired shape and bake at 375 F for about 20 -30 minutes.

*if desired, you can brush the tops with olive oil and sprinkle garlic salt and/or parmesan cheese on top

ready to bake

fresh from the oven

cheddar cheese ones made another day
(my kids' favorite)

 Spicy Tomato Dipping Sauce

ingredients

2 T. olive oil

6 cloves of garlic, finely chopped

1 T. Italian seasoning
1 tsp. dried oregano

1/2 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes, optional

1 (15 ounce) can organic tomato sauce
salt and pepper

In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.  Add the garlic and cook for about 2 minutes.  Add in the Italian seasoning and the red pepper flakes and cook for another minute.  Pour in the tomato sauce and let simmer for about 20 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve with warm breadsticks for dipping.

dinner is served!