Almost Famous

Every issue of the Food Network magazine (which is a wonderful magazine and I highly recommend subscribing!) has a copycat recipe of a well known restaurant food. The June/July 2009 issue has Olive Garden salad and breadsticks. However, according to the article, the Olive Garden "staff" would not release their recipe for either of these so the Food Network Kitchens created recipes that are pretty darn close. We thought they were both wonderful and just like the restaurant. The breadsticks were not very good reheated the next day so I would definitely cut the recipe in half next time...unless I can find a use for 16 breadsticks.

That is my beautiful Longaberger bread basket. It was a parting gift when I moved out of my parents house...I'm not sure if my mom knows I took it. :)

Almost Famous Breadsticks

(Source: Food Network Magazine June/July 2009)

FOR THE DOUGH:

1 package active dry yeast

4 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting

2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

2 tablespoons sugar

1 tablespoon fine salt

FOR THE TOPPING:

3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

Pinch of dried oregano

1. Make the dough: Place 1/4 cup warm water in the bowl of a mixer; sprinkle in the yeast and set aside until foamy, about 5 minutes. Add the flour, butter, sugar, fine salt and 1 1/4 cups plus 2 tablespoons warm water; mix with the paddle attachment until a slightly sticky dough forms, 5 minutes.

2. Knead the dough by hand on a floured surface until very smooth and soft, 3 minutes. Roll into a 2-foot-long log; cut into 16-1 1/2 inch-long pieces. Knead each piece slightly and shape into a 7-inch-long breastick; arrange 2 inches apart on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover with a cloth; let rise in a warm spot until almost doubled, about 45 minutes.

3. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Make the topping: Brush the breadsticks with 1 1/2 tablespoons of the butter and sprinkle with 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt. Bake until lightly golden, about 15 minutes. Meanwhile, combine the remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt with the garlic powder and oregano. Brush the warm breadsticks with the remaining 1 1/2 tablespoons melted butter and sprinkle with the flavored salt.

Almost-Famous Garden Salad

(Source: Food Network Magazine June/July 2009)

FOR THE DRESSING:

1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil

2 tablespoons white wine vinegar

3 tablespoons Miracle Whip

1 tablespoon lemon juice

2 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese

1/4 teaspoon garlic salt

1/2 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning

FOR THE SALAD:

1 10-ounce bag American salad blend

1/4 red onion, thinly sliced

4 small pickled peppers, such as pepperoncini

1 small vine-ripened tomato, quartered

2 tablespoons sliced black olives

1/2 cup large croutons

1 tablespoon grated parmesan cheese

1. Combine all the dressing ingredients and 1 to 2 tablespoons water in a blender or food processor; puree until smooth.

2. Place the salad blend in a large bowl and top with the remaining salad ingredients. Drizzle with the dressing.