Big Soft Pretzels

First you must make a batch of Hot Roll Mix before making the pretzels.

Hot Roll Mix
5 lbs (20 cups) unbleached flour
1 1/4 white granulated sugar
4 teaspoons salt
1 cup instant nonfat dry milk

Combining all ingredients in large bowl. 
Wisk together to distribute evenly. 
Put in a large airtight container. 
Label with date and contents. 
Store in a cool, dry place. 
Use within 6-8 months,
makes about 22 cups Hot Roll Mix.

Big Soft Pretzels

1 Tablespoon Active Dry Yeast
1 1/2 cups Hot (to the touch) Tap Water
2 Eggs, beaten
1/4 cup Vegetable Oil or Melted Butter (tastes better with the butter)
1 Egg, beaten
about 2 Tablespoons Coarse Salt

Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 F. Sprinkle baking sheets with cornmeal.  In a bowl, dissolve yeast in Hot Tap Water.   Let sit for about 5 minutes, then blend in 2 eggs and oil or butter.  Add 5 cups Hot Roll Mix.  Stir well.  Add more Hot Roll Mix to make a soft dough.  Knead about 5 minutes until dough is smooth.  Roll dough into ropes about 1/2" diameter and 18-24" long.  Form into pretzels.  Place on prepared baking sheets.  Brush with beaten egg and sprinkle with salt.  Bake immediately until brown and crips.  Makes 12-15 large pretzels.

Baking with young men is so fun.  They come up with the silliest things.
The boys decided that instead of making traditional pretzel shapes that they would make whatever they wanted and whomever came up with the idea first had the copyright. 

Here are some pictures of our baking adventure.

I.A. and J.G. worked together as a team.

J.G. getting ready to form his pretzel

M. Copyrighting his basketball

M.G. with his pan full of pretzels

J.A. making his pretzel

O.A. just wanted to eat the dough

I.A. making his Mickey Mouse pretzel

Pretzels in the oven

M's pretzels including headphones

J.G. pretzels all lined up ready to be baked

The pretzels puff up to at least twice their size

J.G. made a fight breast cancer pretzel 

J.A. pretzels finished baking.

The pretzels were so fluffy and tasty. 

The boys had a great time making them and I had a blast teaching.