Lenten Pretzels

A pretzel before baking

On Ash Wednesday, the boys made pretzels at church.  They brought home a recipe, which I altered somewhat accidentally and somewhat on purpose.  It is so yummy!!  You need:
1/2 tsp salt
1 1/2 c warm water
1/2 tsp sugar
1 pkg dry yeast (2 1/2 tsp)
3 c white flour
1 1/2 c wheat flour
1 egg

In bowl, dissolve yeast and sugar in warm water.  Mix in salt, flour, and egg.  Knead dough for about 5 minutes, then cover and let it rest for one hour.  It will rise some.  Now shape into pretzels, or whatever shape you prefer.  Brush lightly with olive oil on both sides and place on cookie sheet.  Sprinkle with salt, or cinnamon and sugar.  Bake in a preheated 425 oven for 12-15 minutes.  These are soft inside and lightly browned outside.  (I cook them for 12 minutes.)

Shaping the dough

"Mine is a balloon!"

"My pretzel!  Mine!!"

The finished pretzels, salt on the left and sugar/cinnamon on the right.