Home Made Chewy Soft Pretzels From A Taste Of Home

Feeling adventuresome?  Think about the smell, the taste, the chewy texture of the soft pretzels you can buy in the mall.  Want to make those at home?  You can, with Taste of Home's Chewy Soft Pretzel recipe.  Bring on the melted cream cheese!

INGREDIENTS

1 package (1/4 ounce) active dry yeast

1-1/2 cups warm water (110° to 115°)

1 tablespoon sugar

2 teaspoons salt

4 to 4-1/4 cups all-purpose flour

8 cups water

1/2 cup baking soda

1 egg, lightly beaten

Kosher salt, sesame seeds, poppy seeds or grated Parmesan cheese

DIRECTIONS

In a large bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water. Add the sugar, salt and 2 cups flour; beat until smooth. Stir in enough remaining flour to form a stiff dough.

Turn onto a floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, about 5 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour.

Punch dough down; divide into 12 portions. Roll each into an 18-in. rope; twist into a pretzel shape.

In a large saucepan, bring water and baking soda to a boil. Place pretzels into boiling water, one at a time, for 30 seconds. Remove with a slotted spoon; drain on paper towels.

Place on greased baking sheets. Brush with egg; sprinkle with desired topping.

Bake at 425° for 12-14 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from pans to wire racks. Serve warm. Yield: 1 dozen.

Info from: Taste of Home