Pretzels

Yummy pretzels with mustard...

I recently went to Crate&Barrel to buy a gift for a friend. While I was there, I came across a box of pretzel mix that was $4.95. I thought it'd be fun to make some pretzels at home... and it was!

It's fairly easy. You mix the included package of yeast with warm water and melted butter and then incorporate the flour mix. Next, you knead the dough and let it sit for half an hour to let the dough rise. Divide the dough into 6 equal parts, then make them into pretzel shapes.

Next, take the pretzels and dip them in a boiling water/baking soda mixture for 30 seconds each. Brush each pretzel with a mixture of egg yolk and water and then sprinkle the included pretzel salt on top. Bake for 12-14 minutes at 450.

Here are my pretzels, ready to go into the oven!

Here they are just out of the oven

Yum, yum, get into my belly. They're definitely different from the pretzels you eat at the mall. First of all, they're much smaller and also, they're crunchy/hard on the outside and soft on the inside. Try it yourself at home! =) I think they'd be good with beer...