Making Pretzels

I am always looking for new recipes. Usually I just email my sister for one of her delicious menu ideas, but I also turn to Taste of Home (www.tasteofhome.com).
While looking for a new soup idea, I came across this recipe for pretzels. I have often wanted to try making pretzels, but never have. I had originally planned to make them for the super bowl, but forgot all about it! In fact, I bought some salsa con queso dip special for this recipe, but then couldn't remember what I had wanted to make! :)

I came across the recipe yesterday, and decided I would make a batch to go with supper!

Step 1: making the dough.........

Step 2: rolling the dough into strips.......

Step 3: making pretzel shapes.............

Step 4: baking.........

Step 5: eating.............

They were delicious!! :)

Southwest Pretzels

Ingredients:

4 cups flour

1 tablespoon sugar

1 package yeast

1 1/2 teaspoons salt

1 teaspoon dried minced onion

1/2 teaspoon chili powder

1/4 teaspoon ground cumin

1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

1 1/2 cups warm water

1 egg beaten

coarse salt

salsa con queso dip

Directions:

• In a large bowl, combine 2 cups flour, sugar, yeast, salt, minced onion and spices. Add water. Beat just until moistened. Stir in enough remaining flour to form a soft dough.
• Turn onto a floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, about 4-6 minutes. Cover and let rest for 10 minutes. Divide dough into 16 equal portions; roll each into a 15 in. rope. Cover and let rest 10 minutes longer.
• Twist into pretzel shapes. Place on greased baking sheets; brush with egg. Bake at 350 for 15 minutes. Brush again with egg; sprinkle with coarse salt. Bake 10-13 minutes longer or until golden brown. Remove to wire racks. Serve pretzels warm with dip.

Nutrition Information:

1 pretzel (without salt and dip) equals 120 calories, trace fat (trace saturated fat), 4 mg cholesterol, 224 mg sodium, 25 g carbohydrate, 1 g fiber, 4 g protein