National Pretzel Day (recipe included)

Yesterday, April 26th, is National Pretzel Day. It is a day that celebrates all shapes (from traditional pretzel shapes, to sticks, to squares and more) and sizes. As it was National Pretzel Day and I love making bread and bread type things, I decided to make pretzels with Mason. First I had to find a recipe, then after I found a great looking one I checked to make sure we had all the ingredients and sure enough we didn't. After a short walk to the nearest grocery store, we got started and roughly 30 minutes later had these glorious pretzels.

Did you know that pretzels are believed to be the world's oldest snack dating back to 610AD in Southern France? Monks apparently baked this strips of dough into the shape of a child's arms folded in prayer (what is now the 'traditional' pretzel shape) and added a little salt and the pretzel industry was born. 

The recipe I used is: 1 pkg. dry yeas; 1 1/2 c luke warm water (hot tap water); 3/4tsp table salt; 1/2 tsp sugar; 4 c flour; 1 egg beaten; course salt. Mix water and yeast in large bowl and let the yeast do it's thing for a few minutes (don't touch after stirring!). Then add table salt and sugar and stir in flour a cup at a time. Once all (minus a half cup of flour) is mixed in, put the half cup of flour on smooth surface and knead the dough with your hands (note, if you put flour on your hands, it will clean off easier). When all flour is kneaded in and dough is a smooth consistency, cut the dough into small pieces and shape into whatever shape you desire. Place on either foil lined dusted with flour cookie sheet or greased cookie sheet (both work great). Brush each with beaten egg and sprinkle with coarse salt. Bake at 400*F for 15 minutes (you'll want to watch them if you make smaller pretzels to make sure they won't burn). Either eat warm with a beer and company (which is what I would recommend) or let cool for later. Dipping in mustard or jam is really good too!

Enjoy!