Mall Pretzels

We made these last night and they were so yummy! they tasted just like the Pretzel maker ones, except i didn't have any salt like theirs so we made the cinnamon ones.
Here is the link if you want to read the reviews, they gave some good tips
http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Mall-Pretzels/Detail.aspx


Mall Pretzels

recipe image
Rated: rating
Submitted By: Jeannie Yee
Photo By: Allrecipes
Prep Time: 30 Minutes
Cook Time: 20 Minutes

Ready In: 3 Hours
Servings: 12
"Those big, soft pretzels rolled in coarse salt are yours to bake at home with basic bread ingredients you probably already have in your pantry."
Ingredients:
1 (.25 ounce) package active dry yeast
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 1/8 teaspoons salt
1 1/2 cups warm water (110 degrees F
/45 degrees C)
3 cups all-purpose flour

1 cup bread flour
2 cups warm water (110 degrees F/45
degrees C)
2 tablespoons baking soda
2 tablespoons butter, melted
2 tablespoons coarse kosher salt
Directions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, dissolve the yeast, brown sugar and salt in 1 1/2 cups warm water. Stir in flour, and knead dough on a floured surface until smooth and elastic, about 8 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, and turn to coat the surface. Cover, and let rise for one hour.
2. Combine 2 cups warm water and baking soda in an 8 inch square pan.
3. After dough has risen, cut into 12 pieces. Roll each piece into a 3 foot rope, pencil thin or thinner. Twist into a pretzel shape, and dip into the baking soda solution. Place on parchment covered cookie sheets, and let rise 15 to 20 minutes.
4. Bake at 450 degrees F (230 degrees C) for 8 to 10 minutes, or until golden brown. Brush with melted butter, and sprinkle with coarse salt, garlic salt or cinnamon sugar.

Tips from Reviews-
-Knead dough until it is smooth and looses elasticity.
- i didn't really roll mine, it was more holding it in the air and stretching it out.
- after you dip the pretzel in the water, dab on a paper towel for a half a second to get off excess water
- bake on upper middle rack so the bottoms won't burn.
- I didn't use parchment paper, just sprayed my cookie sheets real well and they were fine.

Fall Popcorn

Okay, if we are incorporating ease of preparation into the ranking scale -- this is the best treat ever. So easy. So---inexpensive! So plentiful. So good. Don't make it though, because I will be giving you some for Christmas, or making it at the next function we are at together!

Recipe from Perrys Plate

1/4 C unpopped popcorn kernels (though I would argue you could use up to 1/2 C and be fine)

4 Tbs Butter

2 Tbs Brown Sugar

1 t pumpkin pie spice

two dashes of salt (mighty dashes)

Pop kernels with your hot air popper. While they are popping melt your butter, add the sugar and spice and salt. When popcorn is ready drizzle sugary mixture over the popcorn and toss to coat.

I had my doubts, but I really really loved this.

Sugar Coated Pecans

Well making these little goodies was far easier than I had imagined, and the result was awesome! These would make great neighborgifts, holiday snacks, or a great addition to a yummy salad!

Recipe adapted slightly from allrecipes.com

2 egg whites
1 T vanilla
1 lb pecan halves (or almonds!)
1 C white sugar
3/4 t salt
1 t ground cinnamon

whip together the egg whites and vanilla until frothy. Through the nuts in and toss to coat. In a seperate bowl mix together the sugar, salt and cinnamon. When mixed add to the nut/frothy egg white mixture. Toss all around to get them coated. Place on a greased baking sheet and bake on 250 dgs for one hour, stirring every fifteen minutes.

Mmmmmm!

Salad

I just accidentally posted on my other blog a post that was meant for here, and my computer is dumb and is not letting me copy and paste. And I am so lazy and tired and I want to go take a nap, so until further notice...please see my "how to make an awesome salad" over on The Little Things.