Yummy Pretzel Recipe

A friend passed this on to me a long time ago and my kiddos have enjoyed making these yummy pretzels.

Pretzel Recipe

4 cups flour
2 1/4 tsp. yeast (Active Dry) -- or 1 packet
1 1/2 c. warm water
1 tsp. sugar
1/2 tsp. salt
3 T baking soda
Coarse salt

In a mixer mix 1 1/2 cups flour, the yeast, sugar and 1/2 tsp salt. Add 1 1/2 cups very warm water. Beat 3 minutes at medium. Gradually add the rest of the flour. Turn out onto floured board (I use my counter top) and knead 5 min.. Place in a greased bowl, turn greased side up. Cover, let rise 45 minutes to an hour. Punch down, turn out onto board. Roll pieces of dough out into ropes and then pretzel shapes. Cover, and let rise on floured board for 30 minutes. Boil 1 quart water and the baking soda in a skillet. Put each pretzel in the water and simmer 20 seconds. Place on well greased cookie sheet, salt and bake at 400 F for 15 minutes.

When they come out brush them with melted butter and add whatever toppings you choose. Some ideas are parmesan and garlic or cinnamon and sugar. You can dip the pretzels in cheese dip or make this dip with cream cheese:

Cream Cheese Pretzel Dip
1 (8 oz.) pkg. cream cheese (softened)
2 tablespoons sugar
2 tablespoons vinegar
2 tablespoons butter

Blend well together and serve with cinnamon & sugar pretzels. Yum!

Enjoy!