Homemade Pretzel Bites

{note: the preliminary steps are to be followed the exact same as in Cheesecake 101.}

-Throw the first 4 ingredients into the Bosch

-Knead for about 5 minutes 

{note: generally we use freshly-ground-super-good-for-you-and-actually-good-tasting whole wheat flour in as many things as possible. The first time we didn't. The third time I used mostly whole wheat. Bad idea--a slightly grainy texture was achieved. A half and half mixture of white and wheat makes for a wonderful compromise.}

-Let dough raise for about an hour

{note: if in any case you 'forget' about the dough and it rises up above the bowl and practically spills over everything, don't worry, it's still good. Not that I have personal experience or anything...*smile*}

-Form small "bite-able" balls

-boil water with baking soda

-drop formed balls into the water

-count to 10 and remove the small clumps of dough 

-place on baking sheet

-bake at 475˚ till slightly golden

-set timer for 8-10 min.

{note: expect a wonderful aroma to fill the kitchen--one the best things about baking}

-brush with butter

-sprinkle with salt

{note: pretzel salt is super yummy--who'd have guessed?}

-dip in cheese sauce or

-smlatther with cream cheese

{note: cream cheese is my personal favorite. Although I'm not a big fan of it normally it just melts over these salty pretzels just perfectly. amazing}

Things needed for above pictured yumminess;

• 1 1/8 cups water (70 to 80 degrees F)
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 3 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 1/2 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 2 quarts water
• 1/2 cup baking soda
• coarse salt
• melted butter 

{note: I hope you enjoy these as much as my family and I did. Oh yeah, and all my friends...pretty much a win/win snack!}

"Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain."

1 Timothy 25:4