Soft Ball Pretzels Courtesy Of Paula Deen Recipes

SOFT BALL PRETZELS COURTESY OF PAULA DEEN

Steps:

• In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water and yeast.
• When the yeast dissolves, add half of the flour, the butter, salt, and sugar and mix for about 3 minutes.
• Stir in the remaining flour.
• Turn dough out onto a floured surface and knead until the dough is no longer sticky.
• Let the dough rise in a greased, covered bowl until it doubles in size, about 45 to 50 minutes.
• Punch down the dough and divide into 12 pieces.
• Roll each piece of dough into 18-inch long ropes.
• On a greased cookie sheet, shape each rope into a pretzel shape.
• Let rise again until almost doubled, about 30 minutes.
• Preheat oven to 500 degrees F.
• In a large non-aluminum Dutch oven over high heat, bring 4 cups of water and baking soda to a boil.
• Using a large slotted spoon, gently lower pretzels into water a few at a time and boil for about 1 minute, or until they float.
• Return the pretzels to the cookie sheet and brush with melted butter then sprinkle with kosher salt.
• Bake in oven until browned, about 12 minutes.
• Serve hot with mustard or eat as is.

STRAWBERRY PRETZEL SALAD PAULA DEEN

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 400.
• For the crust, mix the pretzels, butter, and 3 tablespoons of sugar.
• Press this mixture into a 9 x 13 inch pan and bake for 7 minutes.
• Set aside and allow to cool.
• In a mixing bowl, beat together the cream cheese and 3/4 cup of sugar.
• Fold in the whipped topping, and spread over the cooled crust.
• Refrigerate until well chilled.
• In a small bowl, dissolve the gelatin in the boiling water, and allow to cool slightly.
• Add the strawberries and pineapple, and pour over the cream cheese mixture. Refrigerate until serving time.
• To serve, cut slices and serve with a dollop of whipped topping or whipped cream.