Wednesday, January 27, 2010

big soft pretzels, like you're at the mall.

Lou and Bee would go to the mall everyday if I let them. Pretzels. It's all about the big soft mall pretzels. They enjoy the carousel too, but it's mostly about pretzels.


Here's our home version:
Pretzels
Dissolve:
2 ¼ t yeast
1 ½ c warm water
add:
2 T brown sugar
1 1/8 t salt
1 c bread flour
3 c flour
Knead well.
Let rise 1 hour. knead again. Divide and shape 12 large pretzels.




Before placing on baking sheet, dip in bath.

Bath: 2 c warm water and 2 T bkg soda



Rise 20 min. Bake 450° @8 min. Butter and salt (kosher) tops if desired. Bee rolled all of these.

I shared this recipe once before, but not in pretzel form. Bee is a great pretzel maker and she was happy to demonstrate. She plans to get a job at the pretzel place at the mall. She can tell them she has years of experience.


Edited to add:  I have since discovered a secret for making them look great, at least 96% of the time. Full 'secret' post here.  


So the secret to pretty pretzels is adding an extra rise. After the dough rises and you divide it into 12 balls. Form balls into pretzels and (Here's the change:) rise again for 30 minutes. Then when you dip it in the bath water, they stretch out even more. Use both hands and use your fingers to spread them more. Then bake as directed.

6 comments:

grandma said...

Yes, all that experience gets you the job. I was five when I started so she is in the work force even earlier. She seems pleased. I don't know if she is doing something she enjoys or she enjoys the finished project.

Carole Davids said...

Emma and the boys all want jobs at various food places, they think they can get free food if they work there. Atleast they have a goal right? lol

Anonymous said...

If you wake up in the middle of the night and the light is on in the kitchen---they may be in there making pretzels now that they know how.

Making their own pretzels leaves more money for the carosel--pretty smart.

Love Always,
Dad

amanda said...

we are making pretzels today too! and yesterday i made a pouch (with a zipper!) for some dollhouse toys. thanks for the inspiration my crafty, lovely friend!

Carole Davids said...

posted photos of our "version" today. take a look, they were yummy. But not as pretty as Bee's, gonna have to get her to teach me some of her technique.

Unknown said...

I stumbled onto your blog when looking for a great sugar cookie recipe. These pretzels look amazing and I can't wait to make them!