Pretzel Bites

Isn't mall food amazing? Yes it's packed with saturated fats, trans fats and mono-sucry-watchamacallits but it's tasty.

The only thing that motivates me to go shopping, especially with young children, is the promise of soft pretzels and frozen yogurt...don't judge me.

However, nearing the age of 30...I should really cut back. If I have the chance to make something delicious at home I take it.

That's where these pretzel bites stepped in. Yeah they're a little time consuming, but they're delicious and would be the perfect App at your next party. Serve with cheese or mustard. Or you can coat in cinnamon sugar or like I did...

... Butter and Parmesan cheese... YUM! The options are endless...

For the Pretzels:

1 1/2 cups warm water
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 packet active dry yeast
2 tablespoons brown sugar
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
4 1/2 cups flour
2 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt

vegetable oil
3 quarts water
1/2 cup baking soda
1 egg, beaten plus 1 tablespoon water added to make egg wash
coarse salt

In a stand mixer with a dough hook or paddle attachment, combine the first 5 ingredients. Let sit for 5 minutes to activate the yeast. Add in the flour and salt (make sure to add the salt second, as to sit on the flour, otherwise it activates immediately with the yeast). Mix on low speed to incorporate ingredients then switch to medium and mix for 4-5 minutes until it starts to pull away from the sides.

Remove and knead gently with hands to form a ball. Grease a large bowl with the vegetable oil, then place the dough ball in, turning to coat and cover with a clean towel and set in a warm place. Let rise, until doubled, nearly an hour.

Once the dough has doubled in size, remove from the bowl and cut into 8 equal portions. Roll out each section into a 20" long log and cut off 1 inch pieces. You're welcome to free hand the size depending on your liking.

Bring the 3 quarts of water to a boil and add in the baking soda. Gently drop in your pretzel pieces, working in batches of around 15-20. Boil for 30 seconds. Remove with a slotted spoon and place on a large cookie sheet, coated with cooking spray, making sure the pieces don't touch.

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees.

Lightly brush pretzel pieces with egg wash and sprinkle with salt. Bake pieces for 15 minutes or until golden.

They are best served warm and definitely with your favorite dipping sauce. We had ours with spicy mustard and it was AMAZING! Enjoy. Happy Monday everyone!!