Pretzels

These home-made pretzels make for a great afternoon snack

For a flavour twist, add 1 cup grated cheese to dry ingredients, and sprinkle more over pretzels before baking.

The Fresh Loaf
Title image from thevillagecook.com
  1. Combine yeast, brown sugar, salt, and 2 cups of flour in a large bowl. Mix well.
  2. Heat milk to 110°C (230°F, approximately 1 min on high in a microwave). Add to dry mix, mixing until a thick batter is formed. Add more flour, handful at a time, until a ball forms.
  3. Place dough on a lightly floured surface and knead for 5 - 10 minutes, until smooth and satiny.
  4. Preheat oven to 220°C (420°F). Cover a baking sheet with baking paper.
  5. Divide dough into 6 pieces. Roll each into a short log, cover with plastic wrap, and let relax for 10 minutes. Roll and stretch logs out again, then cover with plastic wrap to relax for another 10 minutes.
  6. Bring a pot of water to the boil.
  7. Roll logs for a third time, until they are approximately 30cm long and as thick as an index finger. Shape pretzels, then hold between 2 spatulas and submerge in boiling water for 5 seconds. Place on baking paper and cover with coarse salt.
  8. Bake for 15 minutes, or until golden. Serve immediately.