Pretzels

Pretzels

You can't make pretzel dough without actually making pretzels!  Pardon my funny shapes, I think I need to practice a bit!  I'd love to see how yours turn out.  These pretzels were fantastic!  So soft and tender on the inside, and full of flavor on the outside!

You will need:
Pretzel dough:
1 teaspoon yeast
1-1/2 cups warm water (100-110 degrees)
4-1/2 cups flour
1-3/4 teaspoons salt
1-1/2 Tablespoons brown sugar
2 Tablespoons olive oil (can substitute vegetable oil or melted margarine/butter)

Dipping solution:
1 cup warm water
4 teaspoons baking soda
1 egg white

Your choice of toppings:
Cinnamon sugar
Garlic powder/salt
Salt
Parmesan Cheese and Garlic Powder
Mozzarella cheese
Your choice--be creative!

1.  In a small bowl, combine yeast and water, stirring until yeast dissolves.  Let it sit for 5 minutes.

2.  In your mixer bowl, combine flour, salt and brown sugar.

3.  Pour in yeast mixture and add oil.  Mix on low speed for 1 minute.

4.  Switch to dough hook and mix on  low speed for 2 minutes.  Let dough rest for 5 minutes.

5.  Continue mixing dough on medium-low speed for 3 minutes until a slightly tack ball of dough forms.

6.  Form dough into ball and place in a lightly oiled bowl.  Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight or for up to 4 days.

7.  Remove dough from fridge about 2 hours before you want to use it, and allow it to come to room temperature.

8.  Divide dough into 12 equal parts.  Roll each piece into a long rope, try for about 15 inches.  (Note: my ropes were only about 10 inches long, resulting in a smaller pretzel).

9.  Shape into a pretzel.

10.  Dip into dipping solution and place on a parchment lined baking sheet.  Top each pretzel with your choice of topping.

11.  Bake at 350 for 18-20 minutes, until golden brown.

This is the final installment of my 3 things to do with pretzel dough.  See the others here:
Mozzarella Pretzel Bites
Pretzel Dogs