Soft Pretzels, GF

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I remember making these for the first time. I had some trepidation. But mainly because I didn't have anyone saying 'this is easy; you got this!' Well, I'm here to tell YOU: this is easy; you got this! Haven't you gone without an epic soft pretzel long enough?

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  • 4

Ingredients

  • 1 1/3 1 1/3 2 cup + 2 Tbs gfJules™All-Purpose Flour
  • 1 1/3 1 1/3 2 cup + 2 Tbs gfJules™All-Purpose Flour
  • 1 1/3 1 1/3 2 cup + 2 Tbs gfJules™All-Purpose Flour
  • 1/2 1/2 1/2 tsp. salt (optional)
  • 1/2 1/2 1/2 tsp. salt (optional)
  • 1/2 1/2 1/2 tsp. salt (optional)
  • 1 1 1 package rapid rise/bread machine yeast, gluten-free (Red Star®)
  • 1 1 1 package rapid rise/bread machine yeast, gluten-free (Red Star®)
  • 1 1 1 package rapid rise/bread machine yeast, gluten-free (Red Star®)
  • 1 1 1 tsp. granulated cane sugar
  • 1 1 1 tsp. granulated cane sugar
  • 1 1 1 tsp. granulated cane sugar
  • 1/3 1/3 1/3 cup warm water (110° F)
  • 1/3 1/3 1/3 cup warm water (110° F)
  • 1/3 1/3 1/3 cup warm water (110° F)
  • 1 1 1 Tbs. honey or agave nectar
  • 1 1 1 Tbs. honey or agave nectar
  • 1 1 1 Tbs. honey or agave nectar
  • 1 1 1 3 (or egg substitute like 1 Tbs. flaxseed meal steeped in 3 Tbs. warm water)
  • 1 1 1 3 (or egg substitute like 1 Tbs. flaxseed meal steeped in 3 Tbs. warm water)
  • 1 1 1 3 (or egg substitute like 1 Tbs. flaxseed meal steeped in 3 Tbs. warm water)
  • oil for brushing on top of pretzels
  • oil for brushing on top of pretzels
  • oil for brushing on top of pretzels
  • (2/3 cup (2/3 cup baking soda for soda bath)
  • (2/3 cup (2/3 cup baking soda for soda bath)
  • (2/3 cup (2/3 cup baking soda for soda bath)
  • butter or non-dairy alternative for brushing on top of pretzels (Earth Balance® Buttery Spread)
  • butter or non-dairy alternative for brushing on top of pretzels (Earth Balance® Buttery Spread)
  • butter or non-dairy alternative for brushing on top of pretzels (Earth Balance® Buttery Spread)
  • coarse sea salt, sesame seeds, or other toppings of choice
  • coarse sea salt, sesame seeds, or other toppings of choice
  • coarse sea salt, sesame seeds, or other toppings of choice

Preparation

Step 1

In a small bowl, mix warm water, sugar, and yeast and let stand for 5 minutes. Whisk the flour and salt set aside.

In a large bowl, whisk together the egg and honey. Stir in the proofed yeast mixture, then add half the flour to this wet mixture bowl. Beat on low speed of an electric mixer for one minute, or until well-blended. Add in the remaining flour and blend until incorporated. If the dough is too dry, add an additional 1- 2+ tablespoons warm water and mix well. The dough should hold together well without being tight, super firm or too sticky; you want it to be able to roll out easily, so add more water if you need to get it to that consistency.

Gently roll small fistfuls of dough to approximately 1/2 – 3/4 inch diameter thick logs (use gfJules™ All Purpose Flour to dust the rolling surface, if necessary).

Take both ends of each log and twist into the middle.

Press together to form a pretzel shape. Gently dab water under each of the ends of the twist to help them stick together, or they may release during the boil.

Lay each pretzel onto a parchment-paper-lined baking sheet.

Use a pastry brush to dust off any excess flour, then liberally brush the pretzels with canola or olive oil. Cover with a damp cloth and proof for 30 minutes in a warm place like a warming drawer or an oven preheated to 200° F, then turned off.

Prepare a soda bath by adding 2/3 cup baking soda to 10 cups of water in a large pot and bring to a boil over high heat. Stir until the soda is completely dissolved.

Preheat the oven to 375° (static) or 350° (convection).

Once the soda bath has achieved a rolling boil, gently submerge pretzels individually into the bath for 25 seconds, flipping over after about 15 seconds.

Remove with a slotted spoon or skimmer, drain and replace the pretzels onto the parchment-lined baking sheet.

Brush the boiled pretzels with melted butter and top with coarse sea salt or other toppings. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until light golden brown. Do not overbake.

Serve warm with your favorite mustard!

Yield: 4 – 5 pretzels, depending on size.

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