Mmmmm...Pretzels

So being pregnant does have it's perks. I can practically eat what I want, how much I want, and have a good excuse. So the other night I got to thinking about how yummy a Pretzel Maker Pretzel sounded. But if you know where I live you have to drive an hour to get to one...so I found a recipe and made them. The pictures shown are my 2nd batch. The first batch got eaten so fast, I didn't have time to take a picture. They were that GOOD! :o) The recipe is easy. I made my 2nd batch today while Justy and Jason were gone. Justy was bummed cause she didn't get to try one yesterday, so I promised i'd bring her one when I picked her up from school. I did, and she was so excited and told me how yummy they were the whole time she was eating it! They are best dipped in cheese or marinara sauce, but one right out of the oven with butter smeared all over it and salt is just as good! I think I might have another! Here's the recipe if you are interested. If you have any questions...just ask!

INGREDIENTS
1 (.25 ounce) package active dry yeast or if you buy the big bag it's 2 1/2 tsp
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 1/8 teaspoons salt
1 1/2 cups warm water (110 degrees F/45 degrees C)
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup bread flour
2 cups warm water (110 degrees F/45 degrees C)
2 tablespoons baking soda
2 tablespoons butter, melted
2 tablespoons coarse kosher salt

DIRECTIONS
1. In a large mixing bowl, dissolve the yeast, brown sugar and salt in 1 1/2 cups warm water. Stir in flour, and knead dough on a floured surface until smooth and elastic, about 8 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, and turn to coat the surface. Cover, and let rise for one hour.

2. Combine 2 cups warm water and baking soda in an 8 inch square pan.

3. After dough has risen, cut into 12 pieces. Roll each piece into a 3 foot rope, pencil thin or thinner. (Mine weren't quite that thin, and they turned out perfectly!) Twist into a pretzel shape, and dip into the baking soda solution. Place on parchment covered cookie sheets, and let rise 15 to 20 minutes.

4. Bake at 450 degrees F (230 degrees C) for 8 to 10 minutes, or until golden brown. Brush with melted butter, and sprinkle with coarse salt, garlic salt or cinnamon sugar.

Even the backs were pretty.

And if I do say so myself...this one was the prettiest, tastiest, and BIGGEST! :o)