Rise Up: Playdate Pretzels

I knew I was going to enjoy yesterday's playdate with a new family when I walked in and the mom was pulling soft pretzel dough out of her bread machine! I like soft pretzels but had never made them, until yesterday. The kids loved shaping their own--Sis made her initial (sans salt)! I tried the traditional shape but didn't wrap the twist enough and ended up with a tower o'pretzel when it puffed. Good, though. And they were white whole wheat, from Trader Joe's flour. Definitely a do-again. And the pretzels, too!

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SOFT PRETZEL DOUGH
Ingredients: 16 Pretzels
Water, 80ºF/27ºC 1-1/4 cups
Egg Yolk, room temperature 1
Oil 1 TBL
Sugar 2 TBL
Salt 1-1/2 tsp
White Pepper 1/8 tsp
Bread Flour 3-1/2 cups
Active Dry Yeast 2-1/4 tsp
Select Dough Course 11 (this is from the Breadman Instruction Manual---I don't have that machine but will use the dough cycle on my Oster.)

Glaze:
Egg White 1
Water 1 TBL
Toppings: (optional):
Kosher salt, sesame seeds
Method:
1. On a lightly floured surface cut dough into pieces. Roll each piece into a 16-inch rope.
Cross the ends of the rope to make a loop; twist the crossed ends once and fold across
the loop.
2. Place on a greased baking sheet 1-1/2-inches apart. Brush with glaze and sprinkle with
topping. Bake at 375ºF/190ºC for 15 to 20 minutes or until done.
Variation:
Pepperoni Pretzel: Add 1 cup sliced pepperoni and 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese to
dough ingredients. Follow method of completion.

Breadman Bread Machine Instruction Manual