Crites Family Stuff

Description

I make these all the time. They are so good and easy!

Ingredients for 8 servings

Dough:

• 2.5 cups all-purpose flour
• .5 tsp salt
• 1 tsp sugar
• 2.25 tsp instant yeast
• 1 cup very warm water

Topping:

• .5 cup warm water
• 2 tbsp baking soda
• Coarse salt (optional) Kosher or Sea Salt
• 3 tbsp butter, melted

Steps

1. In a large bowl, place the flour, salt, sugar, and yeast. Stir to combine. Add the water and mix well, adding more flour as needed to form a soft, smooth dough that clears the sides and bottom of the bowl. Knead the dough by hand or machine for about 5 minutes. It should be soft but not sticky. Lightly dust the dough ball and place it in a plastic bag, leaving room for expansion. Let it rest fro 30-60 minutes.
2. Pre-heat oven to 500ºF. Don't be afraid of the high heat! This is what will help those pretzels brown and stay soft on the inside. Prepare two baking sheets with parchment paper or cooking spray (I use the parchment with cooking spray.)
3. Transfer the dough to a lightly greased work surface. Divide the sought into 4 strips of equal length. Allow easy piece to rest 5 minutes. meanwhile, combine the 1/2 cup warm water with the baking soda in a bowl. Stir to dissolve the soda. Set aside.
4. Cut each dough strip into 6-8 pieces, about 1- 1 1/2 inches long. Dip each pretzel bite into the reserved baking soda solution and place on the baking sheets. Sprinkle with the coarse salt. Allow to rest uncovered for 10 minutes.
5. Bake for 7-8 minutes or until golden brown, baking one sheet at a time.
6. Remove from oven and brush with the melted butter. Keep brushing the butter on until you've used it all up. It may seem like a lot, but that's what gives those pretzels their ethereal taste. Eat them warm or re-heat in the oven or microwave on low heat.

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