Soft Pretzels - A Twist for Valentine's Day!
You Will Love Making This Soft Pretzel Recipe.
Whether you are celebrating Valentine’s Day, “Gal-entines” Day or making the day a family affair, this fun project is sure to make your valentine smile! What can be better than gathering in the kitchen with the ones we love? The answer is…eating a warm hand crafted pretzel straight from the oven! I think that the true joy of this project comes from the hands-on experience of creating your own pretzel. Everyone can join in the fun of rolling, shaping and anticipating the finished results.
Top it off! That’s right - to (literally) top things off be sure to set up a topping bar! Offer a variety of artisan mustards, local honey and fondues for dunking. Add a delightful sweet touch by serving a bowl of warm chocolate ganache and valentine sprinkles! And if that’s not enough - finish off your spread with a yummy selection of cold local brews for the adults and your feast is complete! Get creative! As long as ‘fun’ and pretzels are on the menu, Valentine’s Day is sure to be a hit.
Soft Pretzel Recipe
Ingredients for Pretzel Dough:
1 package of rapid rise yeast
1 1/2 cup warm water (no more than 115 degrees)
1 teaspoon of honey
4 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour
2 Tablespoon of soft butter
pretzel salt (or optional sesame seeds, everything mix, etc…)
egg wash (beaten egg with 1 Tablespoon water
Pretzel Dipping Solution Solution
6 cups of water
1/2 cup of water
Directions:
Mix the yeast, warm water and honey together. Water should be warm to the touch (approximately 110 degrees Fahrenheit.)
Add the flour and soft butter.
Using a standing mixer with a dough hook, combine the dough and knead for approximately 5 minutes. Dough will be firm.
Remove from the bowl and finish kneading the dough by hand as needed. Dough should be smooth.
Place the dough in a large bowl sprayed with pan spray. Cover the bowl with a clean (slightly) damp kitchen towel and place in a warm environment for approximately 40 minutes.
Remove the dough from the bowl and press/ roll it into a rectangle shape. Dough should be approximately 1/2 inch thick. Use the picture below for reference.
Using a chef knife, cut the dough into 20 even strips. Use the picture below for reference.
Roll each strip into a long, even coil. Tip: Spread out your fingers when rolling to help create a consistency in the dough size.
Shape each coil into your desired shapes. You can form a traditional style pretzel or make hearts and form words! use your imagination and have fun!
Making and Using the Baking Soda Solution and Baking:
Preheat a conventional oven to 400 degree Fahrenheit.
Combine the water and baking soda in a large sauce pan and place it on the stove at high heat. Allow the mixture to come to a boil, and turn it down slightly to a low boil.
Using a kitchen tool, such as a pancake filler or slotted spoon, pick up one rolled pretzel dough and place in the boiling water for 20 seconds. Use the picture above for reference.
Remove the rolled pretzel dough and place on a baking sheet with parchment or heavily oiled pan with low sides. Continue the process until all pretzels have been cooked in the solution.
Using the egg wash lightly brush the wash on each pretzel.
Top with Pretzel Salt. You may also use “everything” seed mix, poppy seeds or your choice of sprinkles.
Bake the pretzels for 15 minutes or until they are golden brown.
Remove from oven and place the individual pretzels on a cooling rack.
Enjoy!
Don’t forget to make a topping bar for your soft pretzels! Include artisan mustards, local honey, cheese and warm chocolate ganache for dipping! Finish off your Pretzel Bar with local craft beers for the adults and your feast is complete!
Consider yourself warned…warm pretzels are highly addictive! Pretzels consumed alone and not fully in the presence of others are not counted in your overall total pretzel consumption.
