Pretzels

Pretzels are an American favorite. Any couch- potato munching these crunchy treats knows exactly what I mean! Crispy pretzels have a cult following. You must know people who can't live with out them?

They are enjoyed salted, unsalted, twisted, burnt and even as a stick. The hard crunchy varieties originated somewhere in-between France and Italy. They were made from leftover dough scraps in a bakery.

Eventually pretzels became popular in Germany. Broken at weddings, they became a sign of good luck towards the bride and groom.

Pretzels were brought to America in the 1800's and became a staple with the Pennsylvania Dutch. That is how the term "Pennsylvania Dutch Hard Pretzels" became coined.

Many of my dearest friends live in the Dutch part of Pennsylvania known as Lancaster. One of my best friends, Steve Snyder treated me to lunch at a small local restaurant near the York Farmer's Market. He introduced me to a Buttery Soft Pretzel Sandwich. It was a scrumptious lunch.

A soft pretzel was served warm and sliced in half. It was stacked with layers of Black Forest ham and sharp cheddar cheese. Freshly sliced red plump tomatoes and crisp lettuce leaves added the perfect touch. I added some hot hearty mustard. It was served with German Fried Potatoes. Mmm!

We hope you will try making your own soft hand rolled pretzels. They are one of the most effortless snacks to make. You can make so many different varieties simply by using a variety of toppings.

Some of our favorites include, Kosher salt and sesame seeds. Try making a variety of shapes. In our kitchens we tried a braid, a coil, and the traditional pretzel twist shape.

Our secret, is to brush gobs of melted butter over the pretzels fresh from the oven.

If you are interested in seeing how hard pretzels are made visit Hammondpretzels.com. We encourage you to make this pretzel recipe and to create your own tasty soft pretzel sandwich. Your kids will love them!

Ingredients:
All-Purpose Flour-3 1/2 cups.
Sugar-3 tablespoons.
Salt-2 teaspoons.
Active Dry Yeast-1 package.
Hot Water-1 1/4 cups.
Butter-2 tablespoons.
Egg yolk-1 slightly beaten.
Kosher Salt or Sesame Seeds for topping.

Instructions:
Combine the flour, salt, sugar and yeast in to a mixing bowl.   In a small saucepan, warm the water.    Place the butter into the warm water and mix until it melts. Water mixture should not exceed 120F degrees or you will ruin the yeast.

Add the liquid mixture to the dry ingredients and mix until well combined about 4 minutes. Knead the dough until smooth and supple, about 7 minutes. Place the dough into a buttered bowl coating the entire dough with the butter. Cover with plastic wrap and allow to rise for 40 minutes.

Place the dough on to a cutting board and cut it into 8-12 different pieces. Shape the dough and place on to a cookie sheet lined with buttered parchment paper.

Remember, if you are going to make pretzel sandwiches make the pretzels fairly large. Mix the egg yolk with a few teaspoons of water and brush on to the pretzel shapes. Sprinkle your favorite toppings. Cover with a cloth and allow to rise for 8 minutes.

Bake in a preheated 375F degree oven for about 20 minutes until golden brown.