bakekrazy

Pretzel Bread is the new bread of choice for some popular sandwiches today. Here is an easy way to make a dozen bread sticks or about 8 burger buns.

1/2 cup water
1/2 cup Milk
2 tablespoons buter (softened)
3 cups of flour
2 tablespoons brown sugar
2 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast (1/4 oz packet)
2 teaspoon salt
1 egg, separated
cooking spray
3/4 cup of baking soda
Kosher Salt for sprinkling (course)
Cornmeal

Combine the 1/2 cup water, milk and butter and heat in a microwave for about 45 seconds, then set aside.

Then combine the flour, brown sugar, yeast, salt and egg yolk in the bowl of a stand mixer. Turn it on at a slow speed and slowly add the milk mixture and mix for approximately 5 minutes. If the mixture seems to dry add a teaspoon of water to form a smooth springy mixture.

Remove the dough and completely cover it with the cooking spray and place it into a bowl. Cover with plastic wrap and set it in a warm place to rise until double, about an hour.

Preheat the oven for 375 degrees. Remove the covered dough and turn it out onto a floured surface and divide into equal pieces, depending on the shape you desire. Cover with a clean towel and set aside to rest.

Spray a baking sheet pan , then sprinkle with cornmeal (this will help prevent the poached dough from sticking to the sheet pan.)

While the dough is resting, begin heat approximately 10 cups of water in a large pot. When it comes to a slow boil, slowly add the baking soda. It will foam and bubble vigorously.
    Working in batches, start adding the dough to the simmering water, poaching them for at least 30 seconds on each side. Remove the with a slotted spoon allowing them to drip dry somewhat and place them on the sheet pan approximately 2″ from one another. Froth the egg whites with a fork and then brush each dough ball. Using a sharp knife make two slits in the surface

 of each one then sprinkle with the salt.

Bake for approximately 20 minutes until deep brown, cool on a wire rack