Charles Smith relies of a bread machine to mix the dough for these buttery golden breadsticks that are mildly seasoned with garlic and basil. 'I like to use this dough when making pizza, too,' says the Baltic, Connecticut reader. 'It makes two 12-inch crusts.'
This bread is a versatile, easy-to-make crowd-pleaser, delicately laced with Grand Marnier and studded with tart dried cranberries and orange zest. You can vary the size: Make 2 large loaves, or spread the joy with 6 mini loaves.
This sauce, using only garlic, salt, lemon juice, and oil, can be used as a condiment on grilled meats, as a salad dressing, and in dishes that require good garlic flavor.
A friend of mine graciously shared her 'secret recipe' for this bread with me. It's become such a family favorite that I'm not allowed to enter my family's get-togethers without this bread in hand!
Wonderfully generous with the rosemary, with support from a little black pepper and Italian seasoning, this bread comes out light and fragrant from the bread machine.
'WE BAKED at least two batches of bread each week for our family of six. We also spent hours (or so it seemed) churning the butter to spread on it, which we especially loved to do while it was still warm. Fried chicken never tasted quite as good without homemade bread-and-butter sandwiches.'
My friends and family thoroughly enjoy this old-fashioned bread. The mellow flavor of pears is a refreshing change of pace from more traditional apples.
