Saturday, October 9, 2010

Homemade Soft Pretzels

Every fall I mean to make homemade soft pretzels and every year I don't get around to it. This year I was determined.

They aren't very hard. I used Alton Brown's recipe because I figured his would be the most scientifically accurate. The magic happens when you boii them in the baking soda water.

I was happy with how they turned out. They really taste like soft pretzels. Pretty darn good! My pretzel configuration could use some work however.

I think these would make really yummy rolls for sandwiches too!

10 comments:

  1. They were really good! I actually don't usually like pretzels, there's some sort of flavor in them that makes me go "gluh", but yours didn't have it!:)

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  2. My husband started making these about two years ago. Now we can't attend a potluck party without people helpfully suggesting he bring some! And they're delicious with Trader Joe's pub cheese!
    Yours look great, don't fret!

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  3. Oh wow - they look so yummy!
    Maybe I'll give them a try when the weather finally decides to be fall 85F today - ugh. California is such a tease.

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  4. They look so delish!

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  5. I know that pretzels are boiled before they're baked, but what does the baking soda in the water do?

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  6. I would like to see the Alton episode for these and hear what he says but my guess it that it what makes the outside of the pretzels brown when you bake them.

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  7. baking soda is for crust texture, browning and flavor, traditionally, pretzelmakers used a lye solution for the pre-baking bath. A local bakery is doing smashing business due to their traditional pretzels (though not their shape).
    http://www.companionstl.com/pretzels/

    -jane

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  8. it makes a HUGE difference when you use the right amount of baking soda..first time i made the dough i was worried when i read the recipe and it said to boil them in it, but wow! i take the dough and roll it around hotdogs that i cut in half, sealing the hotdog inside first, then boil, then pat dry and bake..omg theyre AMAZING!

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  9. putting them around pretzels sounds like an awesome idea!

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