Last night, as I was on my way home from a night of margaritas with friends, I got caught singing a Cinderella song. Out loud. In the train. With my earphones on.

Today I thought I'd share my Pretzel Roll recipe with you. The first time I'd ever had a pretzel roll was a couple of years ago at a German deli in Seattle. Kind of one of the most amazing snacks I've ever had. I was obsessed! I started looking on line trying to find a good recipe, and every single one of them was different and extremely involved. I've played with 3 or 4 different recipes, and then modified and changed them to what works in my kitchen.

I recommend that you read this entire recipe before you start putting stuff together. When it comes to baking, you really need to be exact. So pay attention to what you're doing, or you won't like what you've done (trust me).

Oven temp: 400 (pre-heated, please)
Ingredients:
1 cup warm whole milk
1 package dried yeast
1 tablespoon brown sugar
3 cups self rising flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 egg
1 tablespoon warm water
Sea Salt
Boiling water

Here's what ya do:

*Warm the milk in the microwave for about 40 seconds. It should be warm, but not hot. Put milk, brown sugar and yeast in a mixing bowl. Stir with clean fingers until it's completely dissolved. Let it rest for a minute.
*Measure your flour and place in a bowl. Make sure you spoon your flour into the measuring cup (as opposed to scooping it out of the bag). This will ensure that your rolls aren't too dense.
*With stand-up mixer on low (with dough blade), slowly add 2 cups of the flour. Mix until blended. Add salt. Slowly add remaining flour until dough has become smooth, the flour is incorporated, and it pulls from the sides (you may not need all 3 cups of flour).
*Increase the speed slowly until on high. Knead for 5 minutes. Seriously. Set your timer. You should pay attention while it's kneading, I've had dough fly across the room because I was doing other things... After kneading place in a lightly greased bowl and cover with a damp towel. Allow to rise for about an hour somewhere warm and toasty.
*About 10 minutes before the hour is up, heat a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Lightly beat egg and warm water in small bowl. Set aside.
*Dump dough on lightly (I mean lightly, people) floured cutting board, and pat into a square (9x9 and 3/4 inch thick). With pizza cutter, cut into 12 to 15 squares and shape into balls. Cut a small "x" on top of each.
* Place into boiling water and cook for 1 minute. Flip and cook for another minute.
I do this in batches of 3 at a time. Remove with slotted spoon and place on a lightly greased cookie sheet, "x" up.
*Brush top of each with egg mixture and sprinkle with salt. Bake until golden brown. About 15 to 20 minutes.

Eat up! John-Christian likes to make little sandwiches out of them. I like to dip them in spicy mustard.