In a large mixing bowl add the 1/4 cup warm water and sprinkle the yeast overtop. let it stand for 5 minutes.
Add in the oil, sugar, salt, milk and 2 cups of flour. Mix with a dough hook for 5 minutes or just until the dough pulls from the sides of the bowl in stretchy strands.
Add in the last cup of flour to form a stiff dough. knead for about 7-9 minutes until smooth.
Lightly grease a large bowl and turn the dough into the bowl. cover with plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead to expel trapped air.
Cut the dough into 12 equal pieces, cover and let it rest for 5 minutes.
Roll each piece into a stick about 12 inches long. Place onto a parchment lined baking sheet about 1 inch apart. Brush bread sticks lightly with oil and sprinkle with your choice of powdered Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, or caraway seeds.
Preheat your oven to 350°
Let the bread sticks rise in a warm place about 20 minutes until they are nice and puffy.
Bake for 15-20 minutes until they are lightly golden. cool on the pan for 2 minutes and serve warm.