MINI PRETZEL DOGS RECIPES

Steps:

• Sprinkle the yeast and sugar over 2 cups of warm water in a small bowl. The water should be no more than 100 degrees F (40 degrees C). Let stand for 20 minutes until the yeast softens and begins to form a creamy foam.
• Combine the yeast mixture with the warm milk, oil, and salt in a large mixing bowl; stir well to combine. Stir in half of the flour mixture until no dry spots remain. Stir in the remaining flour, 1 cup at a time, mixing well after each addition. The dough should be moderately stiff and slightly sticky. When the dough has pulled together, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and knead until smooth and elastic, about 8 minutes.
• Spray a large bowl with cooking spray, then place the dough in the bowl and turn to coat. Cover with plastic wrap or a light cloth and let rise in a warm place (80 to 95 degrees F (27 to 35 degrees C)) until doubled in volume, about 45 minutes.
• After the dough has risen, fill a large pot with about 8 cups water, 1 1/2 teaspoons salt, and the baking soda and bring to a rolling boil over high heat. While the water is coming to a boil cut the the dough into 20 pieces, about the size of a golf ball. Roll each piece into a 12 inch long rope about 1 1/2 inches thick.
• Preheat an oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Lightly grease 2 baking sheets.
• Dip a strip of dough into the boiling water using a pair of tongs, count to 5, remove it from the water, and place it on a paper towel for a few seconds. Wrap the strip around a hot dog, place on a baking sheet, and sprinkle with coarse salt. Repeat with the remaining strips of dough and hot dogs.
• Bake in a preheated oven until they are golden brown, about 15 to 20 minutes.

Steps:

• Heat the beer in a saucepan over low heat until it reaches 110 degrees F (45 degrees C).
• Combine the warm beer, sugar, and 2 teaspoons kosher salt in a bowl. Sprinkle the yeast on top, and let stand for 5 minutes until the yeast softens and begins to form a creamy foam.
• Place the bread flour and butter in a bread machine. Add the yeast mixture, then select the dough cycle.
• Preheat an oven to 450 degrees F (230 degrees C).
• Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper or grease with vegetable oil.
• Beat the egg yolk in a small bowl with 1 tablespoon water; set aside.
• Stir baking soda into 10 cups water in a large pot until dissolved, and bring to a boil.
• Turn the dough out onto a lightly-oiled surface, and roll into a 10x20-inch rectangle.
• Cut the dough into 18 1-inch wide strips, then wrap each strip tightly around a hot dog in a spiral, pinching the edges to seal, and leaving the ends open. About half an inch of hot dog should peek out of each end of the dough wrapper.
• Drop 2 or 3 dough-wrapped hot dogs into the boiling water for 30 seconds.
• Arrange the boiled hot dogs on the prepared baking sheets. Brush each pretzel dog with the egg yolk mixture, and sprinkle with the remaining 1/4 cup salt.
• Bake in the preheated oven until golden brown, about 15 minutes.