Homemade Soft Pretzels

Yield: 8 pretzels

Prep Time: 45 min + rising time

Cook Time: 12 min

ingredients:

DOUGH:
3 teaspoons instant dry yeast
1 1/2 cups warm water (about 105 degrees F)
2 tablespoons granulated white sugar
4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt

CRUST:
1 cup water
2 teaspoons baking powder
coarse sea salt or kosher salt
1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter, melted

directions:

1. In a large bowl, combine the yeast, warm water and sugar. Add in the flour and salt and knead until smooth (you can use your hands, or you can use a stand mixer with a dough hook for this part).

2. Grease a second bowl with nonstick cooking spray and place the dough into the bowl. Cover with greased plastic wrap or a clean dish towel and let rise for 30 minutes in a warm place.

3. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. Line 2-baking sheets with parchment paper or silpat mats.

4. Divide the dough into 8 equal parts. Roll each part into a rope about 24 to 26 inches long and form into a pretzel shape (see this post for detailed instructions on how to shape a pretzel).

5. In a shallow bowl, combine water and baking powder. Submerge each pretzel in the water and then place on the prepared baking sheets. Sprinkle with salt. Let the pretzels rest for 5 to 10 minutes.

6. Bake 12 to 15 minutes, or until golden brown. Brush each hot baked pretzel with melted butter immediately after taking them out of the oven.

Source: Kids Cooking Made Easy: Favorite Triple-Tested Recipes by Leah Schapira and Victoria Dwek

for photos go to http://www.recipeboy.com/2014/01/how-to-make-homemade-soft-pretzels/