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04/26/2011 National Pretzel Day Big Soft German Pretzels

Source of Recipe

tdaxp, Ph.D.


Recipe Introduction

Did you know that pretzels were invented by monks? They used the inter-connected sections of pretzels to help children understand the Christian Trinity of "Father, Son, and Holy Ghost." It wasn't long before pretzels were used to represent the marriage knot and were found at many weddings. Despite their royal status, pretzels were also a convenient way to feed the poor. People used to line up not for soup, but for their daily pretzel. While soft pretzels have gained enormous popularity at sporting events, carnivals, and festivals all over the world, the crunchy hard pretzel has evolved over time. Hard pretzels came about when a baker put some pretzels in the oven and forgot about them. Because these pretzels were baked too long and had not risen, they turned dark, hard, and crunchy. They were instantly a wild success! To celebrate National Pretzel Day, try making some delicious homemade pretzels with your favorite toppings. Some suggestions: cinnamon and sugar, salt, or chocolate glazed. Enjoy!

List of Ingredients

HOME COOKIN’ 04/26/2011 National Pretzel Day Big Soft German Pretzels



Big Soft German Pretzels


3 ½ C of flour
4 T brown sugar
2 tsp. salt (sea salt preferably)
1 Tb. yeast, dissolved in the water
1 C water (120°) fairly warm but not hot.
2 t baking soda mixed with 1 Cup hot water (in a small bowl)
1 egg beaten with 1 tsp. water
(in a small bowl) (plus butter)



Recipe


Mix water/yeast, brown sugar and salt in a food processor, or a large mixing bowl. Add flour and mix until dough is smooth. Add more flour if sticky. (If possible let the dough sit overnight in a bowl or plastic container in the refrigerator.)
Divide the dough into 6 or 12 pieces. Roll each piece into a rope, very thin, a little bigger than a pencil. Shape into an upside down U shape on your table. Bring the ends together and twist them. Flatten the ends and bring to the top of the pretzel and press in the dough to secure making it look like a pretzel. Place on a greased cookie sheet.
Now let the pretzels raise for a 45 minutes or till about double in size. Dip in the water-soda solution. Brush with beaten egg and water solution. Sprinkle with;
Coarse salt, sesame seeds, and/or parmesan cheese, or
Cinnamon sugar

Bake in hot oven 450 degrees (225 degrees C) for 12 to 15 minutes or until well browned. Brush with melted butter and eat!