Mixin' Mom: Game Day Soft Pretzels

Hello football fans! The Super Bowl and playoffs are on their way - so why not enjoy some soft pretzels to eat! You can dip them in mustard, or make a cheesy beer dip to go with them. These pretzels smell delicious and taste as good as they look. I used sea salt to sprinkle on mine, but you could get creative and put some parmesan cheese or cinnamon and sugar or jalapeños on them. Go crazy with your pretzels!

All the teams our family roots for didn't do so well this year... but that doesn't mean we won't be tuning in to watch the commercials at least! Superbowl Sunday is also the day of my first 1/2 Marathon, so I know for a fact that my sore legs will be relaxing and enjoying the game after the race!

Soft Pretzels - makes 8 pretzels

- 1 package active dry yeast
- 1 tbsp. sugar
- 2 tsp. salt
- 1 1/2 cup water, warm
- 4 3/4 cup flour (4 1/2 cups not at altitude)
- 2 tbsp. unsalted butter
- vegetable oil
- 10 cups water
- sea salt/pretzel salt
- 2/3 cup baking soda
- 1 egg yolk mixed with 1 tbsp. water (egg wash)

1. Place your sugar, salt and warm water into the bowl of your Kitchenaid Mixer. Sprinkle your yeast on top and allow to foam for 5 minutes.
2. Add your flour and using your dough hook, mix your pretzel dough on low.
3. Allow dough to form and knead it a few times before placing in a large bowl greased with vegetable oil. Secure plastic wrap on the top and place bowl in a warm place to allow dough to rise for 1 hour.
4. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
5. Divide your dough into 8 pieces and knead/roll out a piece to be about 24 inches long. Make a "U" with it and criss-cross and press firmly to create a pretzel. Repeat for all pretzels.
6. Boil your water and baking soda in a large pot. Once you have a rolling boil, place your pretzels in for 30 seconds and place on a baking sheet.
7. Coat each pretzel with the egg wash and salt (or topping of your choice).
8. Bake at 450 degrees for 12 minutes.