Giant Baked Pretzels

I was at home, relaxing (that is code for trying to relax while the kids go crazy beside me) reading (or trying to read while they accidentally kick the magazine out of my hands)...  Then I saw the pretzel recipe.   Mmmmm, I like pretzels.  And I haven't had one like this in years.   So, what do I do when I should be doing something else?  Bake of course.

Giant Baked Pretzels!!

I used my bread machine to make the dough...  (I will add the proper directions below)

The recipe told me to cut into 9 pieces... I cut them into 12.  I'm not sure why I don't follow recipes exactly.

Start rolling them (with a fat middle) until they are about 12" long.

Once they are rolled, take them again and roll until they are about 24" long.  (They still should be fatter in the middle)

Now the fun begins.   Make a big "U" with the dough.

Wind ends of dough twice and place back on top.  Then place them on parchment lined sheets or in my case, stoneware pans.

Loosely cover with plastic wrap and let rise for 30-35 minutes.   Then place in freezer for at least 2 hours.

In a stainless steal pot, water and baking soda.  Put frozen pretzel in boiling water for 45 to 60 seconds.  This will foam and it's ok.  Drain water from pretzel then place on baking sheet. 

Sprinkle with coarse salt, place in 375 oven.  Bake for 20 mins.

Mmmmm, pretzels.   To be enjoyed as is or with mustard.

My helpful helper asked me why I made this recipe, he thought there were so many steps (meaning the freezing and boiling....) I told him, this is the one I saw therefore this is the one I tried.   Yes, I might try a different Pretzel recipe in the future with no boiling and no freezing.  This one was a lot of work but well worth it!  Very yummy!  With or without the mustard.

Recipe:

DOUGH

3 1/2 cups flour

2 1/2 tsp instant yeast

2 tsp salt

3/4 cup milk

2 tbsp cold unsalted butter

1 tbsp sugar

1/3 to 1/2 cold water

BOILING

8 cups water

1/2 cup baking soda

coarse salt

1. To make dough - place all ingredients in a bread machine and select "dough" or  add flour yeast and salt to bowl of stand-up mixer.  Mix briefly.  Heat milk until very hot, but not boiling.  Add butter, when melted stir in sugar and 1/3 cup water.

2.  Add warm milk mixture to flour while mixer is running.  Add additional water, if needed.  Need mixture for 3 to 5 minutes.  Leave in place and cover with plastic wrap and let dough rise for an hour or until doubled in size.

3.  Turn machine in just enough to deflate dough.  Place dough on lightly floured surface.  Divide into 9 pieces.

4.  Roll each piece into a rope with a fat middle until about 12" long.   Then Roll each piece again until 24" long.

5.  Make a U, wind ends of dough twice.  Place on parchment paper.  

6.  Loosely cover with plastic and let rise 30-35 mins.  Place into freezer for at least 2 hours.

7.  Bring water and baking soda to boil.  One at a time, place frozen pretzel into boiling water for 45-60 seconds.  Remove with spatula, drain and place on parchment paper covered baking sheets.  Sprinkle coarse salt on top.

8.  Bake at 375 for 20 mins or until deeply browned.  Cool on a rack.  Enjoy

Recipe Source:  LCBO Food & Drink Magazine, Spring 2011