Pretzels

Another Big Hit Recipe from my Mom

I've made these for years and they go very fast.
Soft Pretzels
1 package yeast
1 1/2 c. warm water
1 t. salt
1 T. sugar
4 c. flour
1 large egg beaten
coarse/kosher salt

Dissolve yeast in warm water.
Add salt and sugar.
Blend in flour (with a fork to start) til all mixed in.
Move dough to counter and knead until smooth.
Cut/break off into small pieces
Roll into ropes
Shape into pretzel shapes, or whatever.
Kids love making their initials or other shapes too

You can spray a cookie sheet or line with foil for easy clean up (as the egg wash sticks)
I've used parchment paper or foil and no spray. Works great!

Beat egg and brush on evenly
Sprinkle on coarse salt.

Bake at 425° for 12-15 minutes or til browned.
These don't keep long - best made and devoured the same day or within a day or two.

From this batch I ended up with 26 medium-sized pretzels. Not thick, not thin.
If you make the balls of dough larger, the pretzels can be larger as well.
If you roll them thicker, then the pretzels will be fatter/thicker as well.
These rolls were approx 12 inches long

As you can see they thicken up just right.
The flash made them look less browned then they were as well.
For Hard Pretzels
Decrease water to 1 1/4 c.
Add 1/4 c. melted butter
Make smaller
Bake until well browned.

I personally have never made the hard pretzels as my dad and the kids always wanted the soft.
Maybe next time.