Rumford Salad Sticks
Crispy, savory salad sticks with a crunchy exterior and tender interior, perfect as a snack or appetizer, offering a delightful cornmeal flavor that appeals to all ages.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Pour boiling water over the cornmeal, salt, and shortening; stirring to ensure the cornmeal is all moistened.
- Cover and set aside to cool.
- Sift together the flour and baking powder.
- Add the sifted flour and baking powder to the cooled mixture and knead slightly on a floured board.
- Divide the dough into portions the size of a walnut and roll each into sticks slightly thicker than a pencil.
- Lay the sticks side by side on a well-greased baking sheet and bake in a hot oven for ten to fifteen minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding herbs or spices like garlic powder or paprika to the dough. If you don't have shortening, you can substitute with butter or coconut oil. Be sure to knead the dough gently to maintain a light texture, and adjust the thickness of the sticks to your preference; thinner sticks will be crunchier while thicker ones will be chewier.
Serving Suggestions
These sticks make a delightful snack or appetizer, perfect for dipping in Homemade Tomato Ketchup or a tangy dipping sauce. They pair well with fresh veggies or a light salad, and can be served alongside a refreshing Iced Tea And Lemon. For a heartier meal, enjoy them with a bowl of soup or stew.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Rumford Salad Sticks in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, freeze them in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to a month. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes until warm and crispy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Rumford Salad Sticks contains roughly 273 calories, with 7g protein, 55g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is a good source of iron (17% of the Daily Value), protein (15% of the Daily Value), and calcium (14% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 645mg per serving (28% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these salad sticks gluten-free?
Yes, you can easily make these salad sticks gluten-free by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure to check that your cornmeal is also certified gluten-free to avoid cross-contamination. The texture may vary slightly, but they should still turn out delicious!
How do I adjust the baking time for larger sticks?
If you decide to make larger sticks, you'll need to increase the baking time. Start checking for doneness at around 15 minutes, but it may take up to 20 minutes depending on the thickness. Look for a golden color and a firm texture to ensure they are fully baked.
What can I serve with these salad sticks?
These salad sticks are versatile and can be served with various dips such as hummus, salsa, or guacamole. They also pair beautifully with cheese platters or alongside a fruity smoothie for a refreshing contrast. For a complete meal, serve them with a light soup or salad.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).