National Pretzel Day
The word pretzel comes from the Latin word “pretzola,” meaning “little reward.†Your reward will not only be these tasty pretzels, but the together-time you share with your child while making them. Here’s what you’ll need:
Mommy & Me Pretzels
Mommy’s Materials for the pretzels:
2 packages active dry yeast
2 cups warm water
1 tbsp. sugar or honey
2 tsp. salt (preferably sea salt)
6 cups all-purpose or whole wheat flour, or a combination
Mommy’s Materials for the egg wash:
1 egg beaten,
1/4 cup water,
Coarse kosher salt.
How To:
1. Put the yeast in a bowl with the warm water and whisk with sugar or honey. As the yeast activates, it will give off an aroma. Explain to your child that the sugar helps the yeast grow. Let the mixture sit for 5-10 minutes. When tiny bubbles appear and the mixture starts to expand, you’re ready to move on.
2. Mix in the flour and salt. Stir with a spoon and finish mixing with your hands as the dough becomes stiff. It’s ready when it’s a little crumbly and flaky.
3. Turn the dough onto a lightly floured board and knead it like you are playing with clay. Continue kneading until the dough is smooth and elastic (up to 10 minutes).
4. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover and let rise in a warm place until it has doubled in size (1-2 hours).
5. Punch the dough down and knead it again to remove any air bubbles.
6. Divide the dough in half and cut each half into ten equal sections.
7. Form each section into any design, shapes, or letters you desire.
8. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
9. Cover pretzels with a damp cloth, and let rise for about 30 minutes.
10. Place pretzels on baking sheet, brush on egg wash, and sprinkle with course salt.
11. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until lightly brown.
Makes ten pretzels.
