I can scarcely believe this pandemic has held me, hostage, in my home for nearly four months.  While I love not having to commute here in the D.C. area, I miss the hustle and bustle of humanity in all its eclectic glory.

So what does a girl do with all of her spare time?

I’m glad you asked.  I bake!  I bake bread, and cakes, as well as savory and sweet pies.  I love baking and my freezer has been stocked for the winter…and spring… and possibly next summer.

With all of my baking, it’s a wonder I haven’t gained any weight.  As a matter of fact, I’ve lost a few pounds with minimal effort on my part.  Most of it can be credited to the intense heat index with most days well over 100 degrees.  I tend to eat lighter in the summer.  It’s just too HOT for heavy foods.  I also detest turning on the oven, unless it’s for a good cause.  And I’ve found my next cause.

Recently, my sister inspired me to take a stab at making homemade pretzels. During one of our daily FaceTime chats, she showed me her, fresh from the oven, golden pretzels, and bites with crystallized salt glistening on each steaming top.  She shared that they are vegan and fat-free in case that matters to you.

Though I’m not a recipe blogger, I just had to share this one with you.  I love these warm pretzels buns.  I love them even more, thawed and toasted.  They make great sandwiches and an even better snack with melted cheese.  I use a vegan brand called Follow Your Heart, but any cheese that makes you happy dance will do.

Now for the recipe:  *  Bake at 500* for  7-9 minutes (or to desired golden color)

Photo by Maria Di Lorenzo on Unsplash

Ingredients

 • 1 ¼ cups water, lukewarm

• 1 packet of yeast

• ¼ cup brown sugar

• 3 ½ – 4 cups flour

***********************

Soaking  Solution

• ¼ cup baking soda

• 1 ½ cups hot water

Photo by Wesual Click on Unsplash

I’m no pro, but I’ll set you up with pretty easy to understand directions.

1.  Mix warm water (not hot water, this may kill the yeast) yeast and sugar together in a bowl.
2.  Add flour little by little until the dough is combined and begins to loose its sticky feeling.  The dough should not be dry or tough.
3. Cover dough and let rest for 10 minutes.
4.  Add flour to the surface to manipulate the dough.
5. Divide dough into 12 or 15 small balls.
6. Heat about 2 cups of water in a small pan and add baking soda to the water.  Make sure the baking soda is mixed into the water.
7. Form pretzel shapes..  ( I never make the traditional shape.  It takes too long!)
8. Dip dough into the baking soda solution for about 3-5 seconds.  Shake off excess water and place on parchment-lined or silicone baking pan.
9. Continue forming pretzel shapes and dipping them into the solution.
10. Place pan in the oven and bake for 7-9 minutes.  Check frequently to avoid burning.
11. Once cooled, ENJOY!  Add your favorite toppings:  Butter, cheese, garlic, mustard… You get the drift 🙂

Let me know if you give this recipe a try.  And remember to eat warm pretzel buns responsibly.

Until our next meeting, I wish you unshakeable faith, wealth beyond measure, and laughter till it hurts.

Love ya!  Kim Jagwe , proud Co-Owner of Sowl Studios

Recommended reading here-  http://www.kimjagwe.com/a-career-change-at-50-is-it-too-late-to-start-over/