2/3 c. warm water
1 pkg. active yeast
1 tsp. salt
1 tbsp. sugar
1/4 c. shortening
2 c. sifted flour

In mixing bowl, dissolve yeast in water. Add salt, sugar, shortening, and half of flour. Beat vigorously until smooth. Mix in rest of flour. Knead on flour covered board until smooth about 5 minutes. Cover.

Let rise 1 hour, until double in bulk. Heat oven to 400 degrees. Divide dough in half. Cut each half into 24 pieces. Roll each piece into pencil shapes 6 to 10 inches long. Place on greased baking sheet 1 inch apart. Brush with beaten egg (add 1 tablespoon water to egg). Sprinkle with sesame seed, celery seed, poppy seed, cornmeal, or coarse salt. Time in oven varies with size of sticks. Keep checking after 10 minutes until lightly browned.