Homemade Pretzels

I haven't made homemade pretzels since we were in Alabama and I had forgotten how easy they are if not a little time consuming. I made these last week for Oscar night. They keep a long time in an airtight container.

• 1 (.25 ounce) package active dry yeast
  1 tablespoons brown sugar
  1 teaspoons salt
  1 ½ cups warm water (110 degrees)
  3 cups all-purpose flour
  1 cup bread flour
  2 cups warm water (110 degrees)
  2 tablespoons baking soda
  1-2 tablespoons butter, melted
  2 tablespoons kosher salt

Line two or three baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside.

Place the yeast, brown sugar and salt in the 1.5 cups of warm water. Stir to dissolve.

Stir in the flour. Knead for about 7-8 minutes. Place in a greased bowl and cover. Let it rise for an hour (I place mine in the oven with the light on).

Combine the two cups of warm water with the baking soda in a square shallow pan.

After the dough has risen, cut it into 12 equal pieces. 

Roll each section into a thin 3-feet rope.

Twist the dough into a pretzel shape and dip it in the water and baking soda mixture.

Place on the parchment covered baking sheets and let it rise another 20 minutes.

Preheat the oven to 450.

Bake the pretzels for 8-10 minutes or until golden brown.

Remove from the oven, brush with the melted butter and sprinkle with salt.

Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy