She Strengthens

Soft, Chewy, Salty Pretzels: A Recipe to Savor

The Perfect Combination of Flavors and Texture

Imagine sinking your teeth into a soft, chewy, salty pretzel, fresh from the oven. The aroma of warm bread wafts up, enticing you to take another bite. This recipe is the result of careful experimentation, combining the perfect blend of ingredients to create a truly exceptional pretzel.

Getting Started: Proofing the Yeast

Begin by mixing 1 tablespoon of yeast, 1/4 teaspoon of sugar, and 1/4 cup of warm water in a small bowl. Let the mixture sit for 5-10 minutes, or until the yeast starts to foam. This crucial step, known as proofing, ensures your yeast is active and ready to help your dough rise.

Creating the Dough

In a large bowl, combine 8 ounces of Blue Moon beer, the proofed yeast mixture, and 3 cups of all-purpose flour. Add 1/2 teaspoon of salt and mix until a sticky dough forms. If the dough is too dry, add more water; if it’s too sticky, add more flour. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 10 minutes, enjoying the intense arm workout that comes with it.

Letting the Dough Rise

Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise for one hour in a warm, draft-free spot. Make sure the bowl is large enough to accommodate the dough as it doubles in size.

Shaping the Pretzels

Once the dough has risen, preheat your oven to 425°F. Divide the dough into 8 equal pieces and roll each into a long, thin strip. Shape the strips into your desired pretzel formation, remembering to keep them thin to allow for expansion during baking.

Adding the Finishing Touches

Dip each pretzel into a mixture of 2 cups of hot water and 1 teaspoon of baking soda for 5-10 seconds. This step will give your pretzels a crunchy, caramelized exterior. Place the pretzels on a baking sheet, brush with an egg wash, and sprinkle with coarse sea salt to taste.

Baking and Serving

Bake the pretzels for 15 minutes, or until golden brown. While they’re baking, mix 1/3 cup of Dijon mustard, 2 tablespoons of honey, and 1 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar in a small saucepan over low heat. Serve the warm pretzels with this delicious dipping sauce and enjoy the fruits of your labor!