A Pretzel Kind of Sunday

Sunday afternoons are the perfect time to make homemade pretzels.  It's a nice, lazy, fun project to take on while you're lounging around.  I think it's one of the only 'projects' Kevin truly enjoys on a Sunday afternoon, and I'm with him.  Luke was able to try his first pretzel (sans salt) and lets just say his Daddy was proud.  Luke liked his pretzel just about as much as Kevin and he gobbled it up.  You will find the recipe for homemade pretzels below.  They are great with mustard or melted cheese, but we really like them warm and plain.  Hope you try!

Homemade Pretzels

Ingredients
1 1/2 cups warm water (110-115 degrees F)
1 T sugar
2 t Kosher salt
1 package active dry yeast
4 1/2 cups flour
4 T unsalted butter, melted
Vegetable oil
2/3 cup baking soda
1 egg yolk, beaten
Pretzel salt

Directions
1.  Put warm water, sugar, salt in stand mixer.  Sprinkle yeast on top.  Allow to 'foam' for 5 minutes.
2.  Using the dough hook attachment combine the flour and butter with the yeast mixture.  Mix on low speed until combined.
3.  Change speed to medium and mix until dough comes off of sides, about 5 minutes.
4.  Remove the dough from the bowl, oil the bowl with vegetable oil and return to bowl.
5.  Cover the dough with plastic wrap and let rise for about an hour.
6.  Bring 10 cups of water to boil and add baking soda.  While the water is getting hot, work dough on a well oiled surface.  Cut into 8 pieces.
7.  Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper and brush with oil.
8.  Roll out each piece into a 'rope'.  Turn the 'rope' into a U-shaped piece and cross the two ends over each other to make a pretzel shape.  Place onto a parchment lined sheet.
9.  Place pretzels into boiling water, one at a time, for 30 seconds.  Take out with flat spatula, place on parchment paper, and brush with egg yolk.
10.  Bake at 450 degrees for 12-13 minutes or until brown.

before going in the oven, after the baking soda bath

they aren't perfect, but they're yummy!

his first bite

pretty sure he enjoyed it!