Mimis Gourmet Pretzels Recipes

SOFT PRETZELS

Steps:

• Warm the milk and 2 tablespoons of the butter in the microwave until the butter is just melted, about 90 seconds; do not boil. (Alternatively, warm the butter and milk in a small saucepan.) Add the brown sugar and stir until dissolved; set aside.
• In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine the flour, yeast, and salt. Mix on low speed until well combined, about 1 minute. With the mixer on low, gradually add the warm milk/butter mixture to the bowl. When the dough forms a cohesive mass, switch from the paddle attachment to the dough hook. Knead on medium-low speed until the dough is smooth but still slightly tacky, about 5 minutes. (Alternatively, the dough can be mixed and kneaded by hand.) Shape the dough into a ball, place in a clean, lightly greased bowl, and cover with plastic wrap. Let rise in a warm spot until doubled in size, 1 to 2 hours.
• Preheat the oven to 450°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and spray lightly with nonstick cooking spray.
• In a 2-qt baking dish, combine the baking soda with 2¼ cups warm water. Stir until the baking soda is dissolved; set aside. (Dipping the pretzel dough in a baking soda solution gives the pretzels a nice golden brown crust.)
• Punch the dough to deflate it, then turn it out onto a clean work surface. (If the dough seems sticky, you can dust it with a bit of flour as needed.) Shape the dough into a log, then cut into 6 equal pieces; cover with a damp dishtowel so the dough doesn't dry out. Roll and stretch each piece with the palms of your hands into a 24-inch rope, holding the ends and slapping the middle of the rope on the counter as you stretch.
• Using two hands, gently dip each "rope" into the soda solution. Let any excess liquid drip off, then form the dough into a pretzel shape directly on the prepared baking sheet (form a U-shape, then holding the ends of the rope, cross them over and under each other -- making a twist in the center -- and press the ends onto the bottom of the pretzel). Sprinkle evenly with the coarse salt. Bake until golden, 8 to 12 minutes; watch the bottoms carefully as they can burn.
• Melt the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter and brush on the baked pretzels. The pretzels are best enjoyed warm out of the oven or fresh on the same day (reheat in the oven or microwave).
• Note: Active dry yeast may be used instead of instant yeast, however, the dough will take longer to rise. To give active dry yeast a boost, you can dissolve it in the warm milk and butter, let it sit until frothy, about 10 minutes, and then proceed with the recipe.
• Note: If you prefer a cinnamon sugar topping, omit the coarse salt. Brush with butter after baking and sprinkle generously with cinnamon sugar (½ cup sugar plus about ¾ teaspoon cinnamon)
• Make-Ahead Instructions: After the dough has risen, it can be refrigerated for up to three days or frozen for a few months. Thaw the frozen dough in the refrigerator before using. The dough can be shaped into pretzel bites while still cool, but allow about 30 minutes for the bites to puff up a bit before dipping and baking.

MIMI'S GOURMET PRETZELS

Steps:

• Mix the yeast and warm water and let sit for a couple of minutes to proof.
• Separate the egg and set the egg white aside.
• Mix the yolk, sugar, cooled milk, and salt together.
• Add the flour gradually to make a non-sticky dough.
• Knead for 5 minutes.
• Rise for 1 hour.
• WHILE RISING MAKE THE FILLING--one batch of filling for 12 pretzels or 1/2 batch of two fillings for 12 pretzels--SEE BELOW FOR INSTRUCTIONS.
• Divide into 12 pieces.
• Roll each piece into a 2-foot rope that is pencil thin; flatten each rope so you can put the filling on.
• Place fillings in a baggie that you have cut a small hole in the bottom corner.
• Pipe the desired filling down the center of each flat rope and then bring edges up and seal back into a rope.
• Twist into a pretzel shape and --.
• Let rise for about 25 minutes.
• Bake at 425 degrees for about 12-15 minutes or till brown.
• FILLINGS:.
• SPINACH--thaw and wring out and mix with other ingredients; place in baggie with rather large hole to pipe down center of pretzel.
• RASPBERRY--pipe cream cheese first and then pipe the jam; if desired put a few fresh raspberries down the center; if not it is good without them.
• CREAM CHEESE/CINNAMON--pipe cream cheese; sprinkle with cinnamon sugar and sprinkle chopped almonds.
• CHERRY--place contents of can in a bowl and rough chop; pipe cream cheese down center and then the pie filling.

MINI SOFT PRETZELS RECIPE BY TASTY

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• Divide the pizza dough into 8 equal pieces. Using your hands, roll a piece into a rope about ¼ inch thick and 15 inches long. Arrange the rope in a U-shape, then twist the ends together once and bring the twisted ends up to rest over the top curve of the rope to make a pretzel shape. Repeat with the rest of the dough pieces.
• Bring 3 quarts of water to a boil in a large pot over high heat. When water is boiling, stir in the baking soda. Working a few at a time, gently lower the pretzels into the water for 45 seconds, flipping halfway through. Carefully transfer the pretzels to paper towels and blot-dry. Place the dried pretzels on the prepared baking sheet, spacing 1 inch apart.
• In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and remaining tablespoon of water. Using a pastry brush, brush the egg wash over the pretzels, then sprinkle with coarse salt.
• Bake the pretzels for 15-20 minutes. or until deep golden brown and cooked through.
• Serve the pretzels with Heluva Good!® Bacon Horseradish Dip.
• Enjoy!