Sorry the picture isn't very good - I promise the pretzels are. I am posting this recipe here so that I know where to find it in the future. We made it twice this week and plan on making it many times in the future (even as we move to three different locations this summer). These take hardly any ingredients and taste great.4 tsp active dry yeast
1 tsp white sugar
1 1/4 cup warm water 110 degrees (I microwaved my water for 30 seconds)
5 cups flour
1/2 cup white sugar
1 tsp salt
1 Tablespoon vegetable oil
1/2 cup baking soda
4 cups hot water
salt, for topping
- In a small bowl, dissolve yeast and 1 tsp sugar in warm water. Let stand 10 minutes (it should look kind of foamy after that time).
- In a large bowl, mix together flour, remaining sugar, and salt. Make a well in the center; add yeast mixture and oil. Mix and form into a dough. Add a few tablespoons of water if the dough won't stick together.
- Knead the dough for 7-8 minutes or until smooth.
- Lightly oil a large bowl, place the dough in the bowl and turn to coat with oil. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise for 1 hour (preferably in a warm place).
- Preheat over to 450. Dissolve baking soda in hot water.
- When risen, turn dough onto lightly floured surface. Divide into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a rope and twist into a pretzel shape (or any other shape you want - we had fun making letters). Once all the dough is shaped, dip each piece in the baking soda mixture and place on greased baking sheet. If desired, sprinkle with salt (or cinnamon and sugar).
- Bake for 8 minutes, or until browned.
