Pretzel Bites

We love soft pretzels and cheese so it made perfect sense that I at least try to make some on my own...turns out...it isn't that hard!  And it was a fun recipe for Bryker to help with!

I actually only did half of the recipe the time I made it...and while delicious they were salty.  So next time I will probably eliminate the salt from the dough and just do salt for topping.

• 4 tsp active dry yeast
• 1/2 cup + 1 tsp white sugar
• 1 1/4 cups warm water
• 5 cups flour
• 1 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 Tbsp vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup baking soda
• 4 cups hot water
• 1/4 cup kosher salt, for topping

1. In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast and 1 tsp sugar in warm water, let stand about 10 minutes
2. In a large bowl, mix the flour, rest of the sugar and salt (as mentioned, I'd skip the salt here)
3. Make a well in the middle of the mixture and pour in the oil and yeast mixture - mix and form into dough
4. If dry, add a little water
5. Knead until smooth, about 7-8 minutes
6. Lightly oil a large bowl (I'm going to do melted butter next time), place dough in bowl and turn to coat
7. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 hour
8. Preheat oven to 450-degrees
9. Dissolve baking soda into hot water in a large bowl
10. When risen, turn dough out onto floured surface and divide into ropes, cut into bite sizes
11. Dip each piece into soda water mixture
12. Place on greased baking sheet, sprinkle with kosher salt
13. Bake for 8-10 minutes
14. Serve with nacho cheese!

(This picture is from all recipes, not my kitchen...)