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Soft Pretzels

Reggie Dwork <reggie@jeff-and-reggie.com>
Sun, 24 May 2009 17:51:55 -0700
v109.n020.6
* Exported from MasterCook *

                                Soft Pretzels

Recipe By     :
Serving Size  : 20    Preparation Time :0:00
Categories    : Bread-Bakers Mailing List       Breads
                  Low Fat                         Snacks

    Amount  Measure       Ingredient -- Preparation Method
--------  ------------  --------------------------------
    4               cups  all-purpose flour -- to 4 1/2 C
    1            package  active dry yeast
    1 1/2           cups  milk
    1 1/4           cups  sugar
    2        tablespoons  cooking oil
    1           teaspoon  salt
    2        tablespoons  salt
    3             quarts  boiling water
    1                     egg white -- slightly beaten
    1         tablespoon  water
                          sesame seeds -- or poppy seeds, coarse salt 
or cheddar sauce

In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 1/2 c flour and the yeast.   In a 
med saucepan heat and stir milk, sugar, oil and one tsp salt just til 
warm (120 - 130F).  Added to the flour mixture.  Beat with an 
electric mixer on low to med high speed for 30 sec, scraping the 
sides of the bowl.  Then beat on high speed for three min.  Using a 
wooden spoon, stir in as much of the remaining flour as much as you can.

Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface.  Knead in enough of 
the remaining flour to make a moderately stiff dough that is smooth 
and elastic (6 - 8 min total).  Shape into a ball.  Place in a 
greased bowl, turning once to grease the surface.  Cover and let rise 
in a warm place until double (about 1 1/4 hrs).

Punch the dough down.  Turn out onto a lightly floured 
surface.  Cover and let rest for 1- min.  Meanwhile, grease two 
baking sheet,  Roll dough into a 12" x 10" rectangle.  Cut into 20 
12" x 1/2" strips.  Gently pull each strip into a rope about 16" 
long.  Shape into pretzels.  Place pretzels 1/2" apart on the 
prepared baking sheets.  Bake in a 475F oven for 4 min.  Remove from 
oven.  Reduce oven temperature to 350F.

Meanwhile, dissolve the two Tbsp salt in the boiling water.  Reduce 
heat.  Lower pretzels, four or five at a time, into simmering 
water.  Simmer for two min, turning once.  Remove with a slotted 
spoon and drain on paper towels.  Let stand on towels only a few 
seconds (if left too long, they stick).  Then place 1/2" apart on 
well-greased baking sheets,

Brush pretzels with a mixture of egg white and one Tbsp 
water.  Lightly sprinkle with sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or coarse 
salt.  Bake in the 350F oven for 20 - 254 min or until golden 
brown.  Remove from baking sheet and cool on a wire rack.  if 
desired, serve with cheddar sauce.

Cheddar Sauce:  In a small saucepan, melt one Tbsp margarine or 
butter.  Stir in four tsp all purpose flour and a dash ground red 
pepper.  Add 1/2 C milk all at once.  Cook and stir one min 
more.  Stir in 1/2 C shredded cheddar cheese until melted.

Makes 2/3 C

Whole Wheat Soft Pretzels:  Prepare soft pretzels as directed,except 
substitute 1 1/2 C whole wheat flour for 1 1/2 C if stirred-in 
all-purpose flour.

Shape each pretzel by crossing one end over the other to form a 
circle, overlapping about four inches from each end.  Take one end of 
dough in each hand and twist once at the point where dough 
overlaps.  Lift each end across to the edge of the circle opposite 
it.  Tuck ends under, moisten, and press to seal.

                                      - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Per Serving (excluding unknown items): 165 Calories; 2g Fat (12.2% 
calories from fat); 3g Protein; 33g Carbohydrate; 1g Dietary Fiber; 
2mg Cholesterol; 763mg Sodium.  Exchanges: 1 1/2 Grain(Starch); 0 
Lean Meat; 0 Non-Fat Milk; 1/2 Fat; 1 Other Carbohydrates.

Serving Ideas : Serve plain or sprinkled with poppy seeds, sesame 
seeds, or coarsse salt.  Can also serve with Cheddar sauce

NOTES : A 1 oz serving (6 pretzels) has cal 110, fat 1g, low cholesterol.