HAM & CHEESE PRETZEL BITES

I had been stalking this particular recipe on Pinterest for quite some time (source: penniesonaplatter.com). We had some people over a while back, so it was the perfect opportunity to finally make these cute little bites! I had never made soft pretzels before, but I do have deliciously wonderful memories of them.

Back in my poor, single years (as opposed to my current poor, married years, ha), I was a waitron at Timberwolves games. Isn't that a funny word? Waitron? Anyhow, before the madness began each night, we had the option to eat either a free hot dog or a free soft pretzel. I usually opted for the pretzel, along with a container of warm, gooey cheese for dipping. I never got tired of those things.


I don't think I have bitten into a soft pretzel since my waitron days, which seems like a different lifetime. So when I bit into these, my tastebuds did cartwheels! Reunited with the beloved soft pretzel!

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons packed brown sugar
• 1 cup warm milk (110-115 degrees F)
• 2 1/2 to 3 cups flour
• 1 package (1/4 oz) instant dry yeast
• 1/2 cup finely chopped ham
• 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 6 cups water
• 4 teaspoons baking soda
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1-2 tablespoons coarse kosher salt

Instructions:

1. In a small bowl, stir together the brown sugar and warm milk until dissolved. In a large bowl, combine 2 ½ cups flour, the milk mixture and the yeast. Stir until a soft dough forms. Add the remaining flour as needed. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead a few times, forming a smooth ball.
2. Brush the inside of a large clean bowl with olive oil. Transfer the dough to the bowl and cover tightly with plastic wrap. Allow to rise in a warm, draft-free area for about 2 hours, until dough has doubled in size and bubbles appear on the surface.
3. .....................................

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