PUB STYLE PRETZELS RECIPES

Steps:

• In a large bowl, stir together 1 cup of flour, yeast, sugar, 2 tablespoons of butter, and 1 1/3 cup water. Let this mixture stand until bubble begin to form, about 15 minutes. Stir in the salt and gradually stir in the remaining flour until dough can be picked up and kneaded on the counter. Knead until smooth and elastic, about 8 minutes, adding more flour if needed.
• Divide the dough into 6 pieces and let them rest for a few minutes. Roll out one piece at a time into a rope about 15 inches long. Loop and twist into that cool pretzel shape. Set on a baking sheet while you roll out the remaining portions.
• Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F (220 degrees C). Bring the remaining 3 cups of water to a boil and add the baking soda. Remove from the heat. Dip pretzels into the water bath for about 45 seconds, flipping over about halfway through. Place the soaked pretzels on a greased baking sheet. Brush them with melted butter and sprinkle with coarse salt.
• Bake in the preheated oven until golden brown, 8 to 10 minutes.

Steps:

• Add milk, oil, all-purpose flour, bread flour, sugar, the 1/2 teaspoon salt, and yeast to a bread machine according to manufacturer's directions for a 1-pound loaf. Select dough cycle. When cycle is complete, remove dough and punch down. Turn out onto a lightly floured surface. Cover and let rest 10 minutes.
• Roll dough into a 10x6-inch rectangle; cut into twelve 1/2-inch-wide strips. Gently pull each strip into a rope about 16 inches long. Shape each rope into a pretzel by crossing the rope's ends over each other, forming a circle with 4-inch tails. Twist once at the crossover point. Fold the tails over the circle. Moisten the ends and press to seal.
• Place pretzels 1/2-inch apart on greased or parchment-lined baking sheets. Bake in a 475 degree F oven for 4 minutes. Remove from oven. Reduce oven temperature to 350 degree F.
• Dissolve the 2 teaspoons salt in 2 quarts boiling water. Reduce heat. Gently slide pretzels, a few at a time, into simmering water. Simmer for 2 minutes, turning once. Remove with a slotted spoon; drain on a wire rack. Place 1/2-inch apart on a well-greased baking sheet.
• Combine egg white and water. Brush pretzels with egg white mixture; sprinkle lightly with coarse salt or poppy seed. Bake in the 350 degree F oven for 20 to 25 minutes or until golden brown. Cool slightly on wire racks.
• Meanwhile, combine process cheese spread, ale or beer, celery seed or caraway seed, and dash pepper in a saucepan. heat and stir over medium-low heat until cheese is melted. Serve with pretzels. Makes 12 servings.