Rise with the Machine

  My new adventure in bread machine baking took an unexpected and yummy turn this weekend.  It all started when I looked out my door.

  Um, yeah, more freezing temps and snow.  Winter weather advisories and blah, blah, blah.  While I usually don't mind winter, it is the cold cold temps that are keeping us tucked away in our burrows this year.  If we are going to be in our homes, I say, let us have good food to enjoy.  To the interwebs! I wanted to try a new recipe for the bread machine. The pretzel roll recipe over at Gluesticks looked like a great one to try.  She makes it look so simple and tasty, so why not give it a try myself?!
 

  Yes bread machine, it is time to use your dough setting.  I know you are usually only used for white or wheat bread, but lets branch out and try something new today.

bathing beauties

  Bread machines do all the hard work of kneading and rising the dough. Isn't is great to just dump in the ingredients and walk away. No work, no fuss. Before you can finish, fold, and put away a load of laundry, it is time to break up the big dough ball into smaller portions.  In order to get a nice brown and "pretzel" like taste it is important to give the rolls a bath.  Yup, a baking soda and water bath to be precise.  After the bath, just sprinkle with kosher salt and let the dough rise for only 30 minutes or so. (depending on how warm it is where you are). After things have risen, it is time for the oven. Butter those tops and get them bakin'!

 Wallah!!!  Of course mine don't look professional and they are all different shapes and sizes, but boy are they tasty.  Really tasty.  This was so easy and it was a hit with the family.  I can honestly say that this will be used again.  It can even be adapted to be vegan friendly and still be super tasty.  Love that!

Hope you find something fun to try this week and break out of those winter blahs!