Brezen

Brezen, also known as German pretzels, are traditional German breads made from wheat flour, water, and yeast. They are typically shaped into a knot or a loop and are then boiled in a baking soda solution before being baked. Brezen are often enjoyed as a snack or a side dish, a popular street food in Germany. They can be garnished with salt, sesame seeds, or poppy seeds and are often served with mustard or butter.

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups of warm water
• 1 tbsp of sugar
• 2 1/4 tsp of active dry yeast
• 4-5 cups of all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp of salt
• 1/2 cup of baking soda
• Coarse salt or sesame seeds for garnish

Instructions:

1. Mix warm water, sugar, and yeast in a large mixing bowl. Let sit for 5 minutes or until the mixture becomes frothy.
2. Add 4 cups of flour and the salt to the yeast mixture and mix until a dough forms.
3. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8-10 minutes or until the dough becomes smooth and elastic.
4. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a towel and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
5. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C).
6. Divide the dough into 8-12 pieces and roll each piece into a long rope.
7. Shape the ropes into pretzels and place them on a baking sheet.
8. In a large pot, bring the baking soda and 8 cups of water to a boil.
9. Gently place the pretzels in the boiling water for about 30 seconds on each side.
10. Remove the pretzels from the water and place them back on the baking sheet.
11. Sprinkle with coarse salt or sesame seeds.
12. Bake for about 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.
13. Serve warm with mustard or butter and enjoy!