It’s Pretzel Day!

INGREDIENTS

For Dough

• 1 1/2 cups room temperature water or milk
  (milk is a better option for sweet pretzels)
• 1 packet active dry yeast
  (7 grams, or 1/4 ounce and equals 2 1/4 teaspoons)
• 3 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons cooled melted butter, plus extra for brushing

For Dough Rising

• vegetable oil

For Boiling (Boiling the dough creates a chewy interior with a crispy, cracked crust. The baking soda gives the pretzels a deep golden brown color.

• 4 cups hot water combined with ½ cup baking soda

For Topping

• Rock salt or cinnamon sugar (½ cup sugar and 2 Tbsp of cinnamon combined)

Instructions

Create Dough by hand or with a dough hook attachment and stand mixer

• Bring water or milk to a steady simmer, 110℉. Remove from heat, add yeast, and let sit undisturbed for 5 minutes.
  (you will know the yeast is truly alive if the mixture is frothy and bubbly)
• Put milk and yeast mixture into a bowl and add the sugar, all-purpose flour, salt, and butter. Knead the mixture by hand or machine, for about 5 minutes, until it’s soft, smooth, and elastic.
  (The dough should not be sticky and should pull away from the sides of the bowl. If the dough is sticky, add a few tablespoons of flour.)
• Let the dough rise by placing it in a well-oiled, covered bowl, and set aside in a warm area for about 1 hour. It should double in size.
• Preheat oven to 450℉. Divide dough into 8 equal pieces. Roll dough out into long strands about 24 inches long. Grab dough by ends Make a U-shape, holding the ends of the rope, cross them over each other and press onto the bottom of the U forming a pretzel shape. 
• Boil pretzels into the hot water and baking soda mixture 1 by 1 for about 1 minute. Place on a baking sheet covered with parchment paper. Sprinkle rock salt or cinnamon sugar on top.
• Place pretzels into a preheated oven for 12 minutes, or until lightly browned. Turn pretzels halfway through to ensure even cooking.
• After the pretzels have slightly cooled, brush them with melted butter.

Toppings “the Works”

• sweet glaze
• cinnamon sugar
• chocolate drizzle
• white chocolate drizzle
• a smearing of hot fudge
• M&Ms
• caramel sauce
• mint chips
• chocolate chips
• miniature marshmallows
• nuts (peanuts)
• toffee nuts (candied pecans)
• coconut
• peanut butter drizzle
• crushed Oreos
• multi-colored jimmies (sprinkles)
• cotton candy bits
• powdered sugar

Devour at your desk and slip into a sugar coma so your employees can get their work done.