Homemade Pretzels

I usually don't like pretzels but making them yourself makes them taste even better!!!  So good and even more delicious when dipped in this yummy cheese dip!!

 Ingredients:

• Yeast
• Salt
• Sugar
• Flour
• Baking Soda

These pretzels are easier than you think to shape. First you’ll want to separate dough into 12 sections. Using your hands roll the dough into ropes about 15-20 inches long and 1 inch thick. Then form the rope into a circle and twist the top ends together. 

Next bring the twisted ends down the center of the circle and pinch together with the bottom to form the pretzels.

You may wonder if you really need to do the boil with baking soda, but it is an important step. This is what will help give the dough that classic pretzel texture, flavor and color. All you’re going to do is boil about 8 cups of water. Then once it has started boiling, add in the baking soda.

Place the pretzel dough into the water for about 20 seconds, then remove it with a slotted spoon and place on a lined baking sheet. Sprinkle salt on top.

Once you’ve given all of the pretzels the baking soda boil, it’s time to bake them. Let them bake until they’re golden brown, about 12 to 15 minutes. Sometimes I’ll broil them during the last minute of cooking to help brown the tops even more.

Pretzel Cheese Dip

This was DELICIOUS!!!!  Worked perfect to dunk pretzels in but also was tasty with just chips!!

Serves 8

 Ingredients:

1 tablespoon butter

1/2 Tablespoon corn starch (or all-purpose flour)

• 1 cup  milk , more as needed
• 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese or Velveeta
• 2-3 teaspoons hot sauce (I prefer Frank's) , more to taste
• cayenne pepper or chili powder , to taste
• S&P , to taste

Melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Sprinkle the cornstarch or flour over the butter, stirring constantly and cook for 1 minute.

Warm the milk in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds. Next slowly pour in the milk while whisking it fast. Continue whisking and cooking until it has thickened (but still pourable). Be careful to watch it.

Remove from heat. Stir in the cheese until and stir until smooth. The sauce will continue to thicken as it cools

Season with salt and pepper, to taste (I start with 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/8 teaspoon pepper). Add 1 to 3 teaspoons of hot sauce depending on heat preference. You can also add 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper to take up the heat. If it's too thick, you can whisk in a Tablespoon or two more of warmed milk.

Place in a mini crockpot to keep warm and gooey. If it thickens, reheat in the microwave for 15 seconds. Serve with pretzel or tortilla chips. Store leftovers in an airtight container.