Soft Pretzel ala Auntie Anne's

As a routine, I try to watch movies as a manner of relaxation. Its great, gets your mind of things plus you enjoy a couple of hours being entertained by either a cartoon movie or one of those spy thrillers. Last Sunday, the movie I chose was Bolt in 3D. When I entered the theatre strange looking glasses were handed to us, making us looking like Dexter the cartoon character. Technology is amazing – it really does the trick! The movie in 3D was great and so was the story. But this is a food blog. I will now reveal the reason for the introduction.
What is a movie without a snack? But now a days, these treats will cost you an arm and a leg. A snack and a drink will cost you close to $10 and they price it so that you are forced to order the large size – what with only $.25 cents difference, only a fool would order the medium size. But there are those who do, you know who you are!
One of the new ones that the theaters offer are those delectable pretzel bites!
Similar to those that are offered by the famous franchise Aunt Annie’s but in tiny two bite sizes. Dipped in melted cheese, yummmmm.
I love soft pretzels, but it too will cost you a fortune to have one with a drink. Of course, one is not enough to satisfy you which means you end up getting a savory and a sweet variety. Add to that the cost of a tall drink and whamo you are $11 poorer. So what did I do? Find a good recipe to at least replicate the one Auntie Anne’s offer.
Here’s my crack at it, tried it a few times and boy, it does work. Just don’t soak it in the baking soda bath for too long.
You will need:
1 ½ cups warm water
1 package active dry yeast (or 1 ¼ tsp)
1 tsp salt (not iodized)
2 tbsp brown sugar
3 cups ordinary flour
1 cup bread flour
2 cups warm water
½ cup baking soda
4 tbsp melted butter

Directions:
Sprinkle the yeast on the lukewarm water in a mixing bowl, stir with a wooden spoon then add the sugar and salt and stirring to dissolve further.
Wait at least two minutes before adding both flours and knead dough until smooth. Set in bowl, cover with a damp (not dripping) towel and rest for at least 40 minutes. Let the dough rise!!

Prepare the baking soda bath. Combine the 2 cups warm water and ½ cup baking soda. Ensure that the baking soda is almost completely dissolved. Cut pieces of the dough and roll into either bite sized pieces or the traditional pretzel forms. Its up to you. Dip the pretzel dough into the baking soda bath then dry the bottom of the dough in a towel before moving it into a greased baking sheet. Allow to rise for a few minutes before baking in a pre-heated 450 degree oven. This will take about 10 minutes or until its golden brown. Brush with the melted butter and enjoy!

I usually dip mine in Cheez Whiz or in Ranch Dressing or sprinkled with garlic powder. If you want it sweet, combine cinnamon and sugar and dip the pretzel in it.

Enjoy!

PS - right after baking brush with melted butter, sprinkle with garlic powder, then dip in cheez whiz - so yummy. The garlic powder gives the cheese that extra flavor layer. Try experimenting with onion powder in place of garlic. But garlic is good!