Make It Monday - Homemade Soft Pretzels

I just love those soft pretzels that you can buy from food vendors or at sports events; you can even buy them in the grocery store. Actually, if I am being honest, I love pretty much any type of bread product, especially when it is homemade. But the ones for purchase are made with white flour and hydrogenated oils and I am making every attempt at limiting these items in the diet of myself and my family. And the kids LOVE them!

Homemade Soft Pretzels

1 T (or 1 packet) of dry rapid yeast
3 T honey or maple syrup
1 1/2 C warm (105-115 degrees) water
4 1/2 C whole wheat flour (I used white whole wheat)
1/2 tsp sea salt
2 T olive oil
1 egg
1 tsp water
(optional) coarse salt or sesame seeds

Directions

Combine warm water & honey/syrup in a bowl until dissolved.
Sprinkle yeast on top and allow to sit for a few minutes and allow to foam.
In a large mixing bowl, stir together flour and salt.
Add oil and yeast mixture to bowl and mix with a wooden spoon (or if you are like me, you will do this step and the next step with your KitchenAid mixer by using the dough hook.)
Knead for 10 minutes.
Shape in to tubes of doughs that are about 1/2" wide and 14-16" long.
Twist in to a pretzel shape. It will make 12 pretzels.

Place on cookie sheets lined with parchment or silicone sheets.
Allow to rest & rise for 1 hour. Cover with a light towel.
Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
Make an egg was by beating together egg and water. Brush on pretzels.
Bake for 15 minutes.
Allow to cool & enjoy!