Simple Soft Pretzels

Staying home

is a new normal we are all experiencing right now. There is so much unknown about what the next couple months will bring. All we know is that we are all having to adjust to a new routine of self-isolation and working from home. I have felt this change just like everyone else and everyday seems like a new day with new challenges.

Some days are great and you feel productive and motivated, while others feel kind of empty and pointless. All that being said there are so many good things that this situation has given us. It forces us to appreciate our friends and family more. We take the time to video chat or call those we care about bring us together even when we are far apart. It also gives us the opportunity to work on things we may have been putting off. Home projects, hobbies, and decisions come to the foreground, giving us a chance to work on bettering ourselves and our environment. 

With everything that is happening around us you can't help but notice the outpouring of support and compassion from all corners of the world that brings us all together under mutual understanding. The images of apartment buildings singing together and car parades celebrating a friend's birthday are everywhere, proving that we are all in this together. 

Well, to be honest this is not where I saw this post going, but I guess this is on my mind today and that's the point of this blog so here you go... 

My housemates and I decided to make our own soft pretzels recently as an afternoon project. It was a fun activity to do together and was a great way for us to spend the many hours together under one roof. We each shaped and seasoned our own pretzels and when they were done we stood around the kitchen counter and devoured them as fast as we possibly could.

They were perfectly fluffy and warm, and the different seasonings we used like, everything bagel seasoning, garlic Parmesan, and garam masala made these pretzels unique and extra exciting. I encourage you to make these with your family or friends (whoever you're "stuck" with) and spend the afternoon being creative and making great food. Good luck. 


​Soft Pretzels

4 tsp. Active Dry Yeast
1 tsp. Sugar
1 1/4 cups Warm Water
5 cups of Flour
1/2 cup Sugar
1 1/2 tsp. Salt
1 Tbs. Vegetable Oil
1/2 cup Baking Soda
4 cups Hot Water
Salt or other seasonings for topping

In a small dish combine the yeast, sugar and warm water. Set aside until foamy.
In a large mixing bowl add the flour, 1/2 cup of sugar, and salt and mix to combine.
Add the yeast and the oil and mix until a dough forms. If the dough it too wet add more flour, if too dry add a tablespoon of water.
Dump the dough out onto a floured surface and knead until smooth and elastic. (about 7-10 minutes)
Place the dough in an oiled bowl, turning the dough to cover it in oil. 
Cover the bowl with a damp cloth and place in a warm spot to raise for 1 hour.

Once the dough has risen, preheat the oven to 450 degrees and combine the hot water and baking soda in a bowl. 
Dump out the dough and divide into 10 equal pieces. 
Roll the dough into thin ropes, making sure to pop and air bubbles in the dough. 

This is where you can be a little more creative. You can create the standard pretzel twist or you can make your own unique pretzel shapes like we did. 
Once the dough has been shaped, dip it in the baking soda water and place on a baking sheet. 
Sprinkle your desired seasoning on top and bake in the oven until they are golden brown                                (Approximately 8-10 minutes)
Eat immediately out of the oven for best texture and flavor.
Dip in your desired dipping sauce, or eat plain.