Feed Me: Pretzels

 

Legend has it, these treats were invented by Catholic monks in the Middle Ages who found a way to use leftover bits of dough after making bread.

The Pennsylvania Dutch are credited with introducing the pretzel to North America.

Now they're everywhere - I can even get one from the sports bar down the street on game days.

But here's how to make your own:

4 1/2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
1/4 ounce package instant yeast
2 tbs sugar
2 tsp kosher salt
1 1/2 cup warm water
4 tbs unsalted butter
1 large egg yolk, lightly beaten
1 large egg white, well beaten with 1 tbs water

Heat oven to 450*

In 4 quart bowl, combine flour, yeast, sugar, and salt.  Add the water, butter and egg yolk using large spoon.  Once the dough pulls from the side, knead by hand about 8 minutes, or until dough is smooth and elastic.  Cover and let rise in a warm place for about an hour.

Turn out and knead the dough for about a minute and then cut into 12 equal pieces.  Roll out each piece into a 24 inch rope.  Shape.

Place on parchment paper and brush the tops with the egg white, sprinkle with course salt.

Bake about 14-16 minutes.

And yum!