Homemade Pretzels

One of the great things about participating in a co-op preschool is getting to be a part of your child's preschool education, including the snacks that they eat.  Each day a parent is in charge of snack for the day, and at Taylor's preschool, the teachers encouraged us to serve a snack that was not only interesting, but encouraged involvement from the kids in preparing the snack.  Your typical cheese and crackers was sort of poo-pooed upon if I'm to be totally honest here.  While this could often cause a pressure cooker type of environment for the moms, it often resulted in some pretty cool snack options for the kids.

Case in point, homemade pretzels.  These were such a hit with the kids that they were prepared quite often.  We whipped up a batch today and I was amazed at how easy and fun they were.

Your ingredients:
1 package Rapid Rise Yeast
4 c flour (Better for Bread flour preferred)
1.5 c warm water
1 egg for egg wash
1 tbsp. sugar
1 tbsp. salt
Kosher salt for sprinkling on top 

In a bowl mix together yeast, sugar, salt and warm water

Add in your flour

Stir it up

Knead the dough until as soft as possible on a lightly floured surface

Form pieces of the dough into any shape you want, such as turtles

Unicorns

Sneak in a bite of the raw dough when you think moms not looking, 

because no matter how gross it tastes, kids must always test out raw dough of any kind.

Brush on your egg wash

Sprinkle on your Kosher salt

And make silly faces while your pretzels bake in a 425 degree oven for about 15 minutes or until browned

When done, marvel at your yummy accomplishment!

And enjoy!  I like mine with classic yellow mustard, while Taylor prefers hers nice and simple.

"Look mom!  I bit off my unicorn's tail!"

Have you baked up anything fun this summer?  If so, please share.  

My sous chef is always looking for a new recipe to try!