Most Requested Recipe EVER!

So…

I’ve finally gotten around to posting the recipe that you guys have been asking me about for the last two weeks.

PRETZELS!!!

We made these twice over the last two weeks, and they were demolished in record time…both times.

1.5 c. warm water
1 1/8 t. active dry yeast
2 T. brown sugar
1 1/8 t. salt
1 c. bread flour
3 c. all-purpose flour
2 c. warm water
2 T. baking soda
coarse salt or cinnamon-sugar mixture
4 tablespoons melted butter (melted)

First, make a baking-soda bath.  Dissolve 2 T. baking soda in 2 c. warm water.

Second, mix the yeast into 1.5 c. warm water.  Stir until dissolved.  Add sugar and salt; stir until dissolved.  Stir in flour.  Knead until smooth and elastic, adding flour if needed.  Dough should be slightly sticky but come together into a smooth ball.  Let rise for at least 30 minutes.

After dough has risen, pinch off bits and roll into thin ropes (1/2″ or less), and shape into pretzels or rods.  Dip each into the baking soda mixture, and then let rest for a few minutes on the baking pan.  [Note: I used parchment to line the pans--no mess to clean up and the pretzels didn't stick.]

Bake at 450 for 10 minutes, until golden brown.

Brush pretzels with melted butter, and sprinkle with coarse salt or shake in a cinnamon-sugar mixture (or top any other way you can imagine!)

Here’s the pretzels once shaped and resting:  

And here’s the finished product!