Summer is Coming

In just a few more weeks, days for some and it's already happened for others, the kids are going to get out of school. For the next couple weeks I'm going to focus on things to do at home with your kids over the summer. Try one or try them all to help fill those hours when they can't go to visit friends or you can't run them to the local pool or amusement park.

Let start of the fun with a tasty recipe. I love big soft Pretzels. They are rather expensive to get when you go out. So here is a recipe I found in a cook book I got from the Library In Tucson AZ. Unfortunately I wrote the recipe down for my collection but not the title of the book I got it from so I can't give them credit. I am not claiming credit for this recipe I'm just sharing it.

Pretzels
1 1/2 tsp active dry yeast
3/4 cup warm water
1 1/2 tsp sugar
3/4 tsp salt
1 1/2 Cups all purpose flour
2 Tbls butter melted
Coarse, Kosher or Sea Salt

In a large mixing bowl, combine yeast and warm water then stir to dissolve the yeast. Stir in the sugar and salt. Add the flour 1/2 cup at a time to form a soft dough.

On a lightly floured surface, turn dough out and knead until the dough is soft and elastic (about 5 min) Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl and turn once to coat. cover and let rise in a warm place until it has doubled in size. (about 1 hour)

Preheat the oven to 425F Punch down the dough and divide it into 6 equal parts. On a lightly floured surface, roll a portion into a 14 inch long rope and twist the rope into a pretzel shape. Place the dough on a lightly greased baking sheet. Do the same with the rest of the dough. Brush each pretzel with melted butter and sprinkle with salt. Bake until golden brown 15 to 20 min. Transfer to wire rack and let cool.

Try some variations such as Cinnamon and Sugar, Garlic Parmesan, or Onion.

How does this keep the kids busy? Let them try make the dough into pretzels and pick their own flavor for it. It's a fun tasty way to spend an afternoon.