5 3/4 to 6 1/4 c. all-purpose flour
1/2 c. Romano or Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
1 1/2 tsp. salt
1 pkg. Rapid Rise yeast
2 c. water
1/2 c. olive oil, divided
Poppy or sesame seeds
Herbs
Cracked black pepper

Combine 2 cups of the flour, the cheese, salt and yeast in large mixer bowl. Heat water and 1/4 cup of the olive oil to 125 to 130 degrees. Add to dry ingredients. Beat 2 minutes at medium speed, then 2 minutes at high speed, scraping bowl occasionally. Stir in enough of the remaining flour to make soft dough. Knead with dough hook in electric mixer, or on lightly floured surface, until smooth and elastic, 4 to 6 minutes. Cover; let rest 10 minutes. Halve dough.

On lightly floured surface, roll one half the dough into 12 x 16-inch rectangle. Cut in 16 (1-inch) strips. Holding ends of each strip, twist 6 to 8 times. Place 1 inch apart on oiled baking sheets. Cover; let rest 15 minutes. Repeat with remaining dough. Brush sticks with remaining oil. Sprinkle with seeds, herbs, etc. Bake at 400 degrees 15 to 20 minutes, or until golden brown. Remove from baking sheets. Cool on racks. Makes 32 (14-inch) sticks.