Hot Soft Pretzels Filled With Cream Cheese

Total Time: 40 mins Preparation Time: 20 mins Cook Time: 20 mins

Ingredients

• Servings: 12
• 1 (1/4 ounce) package active dry yeast
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 cups warm water, 110 degrees
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup bread flour
• 2 cups warm water, 110 degrees
• 2 tablespoons baking soda
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted
• 2 tablespoons kosher salt
• 2 -4 tablespoons softened cream cheese, put into a pastry bag for filling
• 2 tablespoons cinnamon sugar
• 2 tablespoons almonds, roasted & chopped

Recipe

• 1 in a large mixing bowl, dissolve the yeast, sugar and 1-1/2 cups warm water.
• 2 place flour and salt in food processor with metal blade and blend by pressing the pulse a couple of times, pour water mixture through feed tube while machine is running until smooth and elastic, about 40 seconds.
• 3 the dough will leave the side of the bowl.
• 4 if dough is too wet add more flour or if too dry add more water.
• 5 place in a greased bowl, and turn to coat the surface.
• 6 cover, and let rise for one hour.
• 7 combine 2 cups warm water and baking soda in an 8 inch square pan.
• 8 after dough has risen, cut into 12 pieces.
• 9 roll each piece into a 3 foot rope, pencil thin.
• 10 (if filling with cream cheese roll one 3 foot piece flat. pipe on cheese leaving edges free (to seal back into a rope) twist into a pretzel shape, and dip into the baking soda solution.
• 11 place on parchment covered cookie sheets, and let rise 15 to 20 minutes.
• 12 bake at 450 degrees for 8 to 10 minutes, or until golden brown.
• 13 brush with melted butter and sprinkle with coarse salt, or cinnamon sugar and chopped roasted almonds.