Soft Pretzel Heaven!

Yes, I know I've been ignoring this blog. I avert my eyes every time it pops up on the dashboard. But, I am here to remedy the problem.

Behold! The best, easiest, and most fun soft pretzel recipe ever created.
(I found this recipe at AllRecipes.com, but tweaked it to my liking. They call them "Mall Pretzels" because they taste like...wait for it...pretzels you get at the mall!)


Best Soft Pretzels Ever

INGREDIENTS

* 1 (.25 ounce) package active dry yeast
* 2 tablespoons brown sugar
* 1 1/8 teaspoons salt
* 1 1/2 cups warm water (110 degrees F)
* 4 cups all-purpose flour
* 2 cups warm water (110 degrees F)
* 2 tablespoons baking soda
* 3 tablespoons butter, melted
* 2 tablespoons coarse kosher salt


DIRECTIONS

1. In a large mixing bowl, dissolve the yeast, brown sugar and salt in 1 1/2 cups warm water. Stir in flour, and knead dough on a floured surface until smooth and elastic, about 8 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, and turn to coat the surface. Cover, and let rise for one hour.
2. Combine 2 cups warm water and baking soda in an 8 inch square pan.
3. After dough has risen, cut into 12-16 pieces. Roll each piece into a 2-3 foot rope, pencil thin or thinner. Twist into a pretzel shape, and dip into the baking soda solution. Place on parchment covered cookie sheets, and let rise 15 to 20 minutes.
4. Bake at 450 degrees F for 8 to 10 minutes, or until golden brown. Brush with melted butter, and sprinkle with coarse salt, garlic salt, or cinnamon sugar.Cinnamon Sugar on the left, Garlic salt on the right. I loved them both.

So yummy! The kids put their seal of approval on these pretzels!

Luke wanted to make one special heart-shaped pretzel for his breakfast tomorrow. Here it is before baking:


I added this post to Kimba's Do It Yourself Day Blog Carnival. Check it out!