It is a well-known fact that the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach. So, if you’re looking for a way to make Father’s Day extra special, then have your kids help you cook up one of his favorite meals or a special snack. Below are some simple instructions for putting together one of my all-time favorite snacks, soft pretzels. You can personalize the pretzels by spelling out “Dad” or any other word that has special meaning to your family. It’s a simple project that you and your kids will have fun doing, and dear old dad will enjoy devouring.
Ingredients:
1-pound frozen/refrigerated white bread dough
4 cups warm water
1 1/2 tablespoons baking soda
1 egg
1 tablespoon water
Coarse salt (like Morton’s Kosher Salt)
2 tablespoons melted butter
1 jar of honey mustard or spicy mustard for dipping
Instructions
- Thaw dough (if frozen) according to the package directions.
- Heat the oven to 450°.
- Use a sharp knife to divide the dough into 8 pieces.
- Roll each piece of dough into an 18-inch “snake” on an unfloured surface.
- Shape the dough into letters, pinching connection points tightly.
- In a mixing bowl, combine 4 cups of warm water and the baking soda.
- In another bowl, whisk together the egg and 1 tablespoon of water.
- Spray baking sheet(s) with nonstick spray and set aside.
- Dip your letters into the baking soda mixture.
- Place them on the baking sheet(s).
- Brush them with the egg and sprinkle with salt.
- Bake for 9 to 11 minutes or until dark brown.
- Brush the pretzels with melted butter.
- Serve warm with honey mustard or spicy mustard.
- …and perhaps a nice cold beer!
If you love to bake and want to try a “from scratch” recipe, click the link or the image at the top of the post to jump over to the Food Network’s “Almost-Famous Soft Pretzel” recipe.