Play Eat Grow: Eat: Pretzel Love Knots

Candy is pretty prevalent around this time of year, but I'm not so keen on giving it to kids, especially not one-year olds. So, I wanted to do a valentine that, while food-related, was not about something sugary and sweet.

Here's my solution.

I don't know about you, but whenever I go to a mall and walk by that kiosk or booth, I am in desperate need of a pretzel. You know the one.

Well, these pretzel knots are fashioned after those intoxicating treats. I have to admit they are best warm, but they are still pretty darn good the next day. If you do make these as a valentine, I would try to make them the night before because the fresher the more deliciousier. Yes, that's a word. :) And don't worry, these knots come together in no time. I used to have a big time fear of yeasted bread, but these have very short rise periods and if you have a mixer with a bread hook, no kneading by hand.

And because I love you guys so much, I've got these tags ready as a free printable, so you can easily make your own! So, I'm afraid you have no excuse not to make these knots.

{printable love knot tags}

Pretzel Love Knots
adapted from Korean American Mommy
{printable recipe}

1 1/2 cups warm water
1 1/8 tsp instant yeast (bread machine yeast)
2 tbsp brown sugar
1 1/8 tsp salt
1 cup bread flour
3 cups all purpose flour

2 cups warm water
2 tbsp baking soda
coarse salt to taste
4 tbsp melted butter

1. Mix the flours, sugar, and instant yeast together in the bowl of your mixer. Add the salt and mix again.

Add the 1 1/2 cups warm water.

2. Knead with the bread hook attachment until it forms a ball around the hook and the dough is supple, smooth, and elastic.

3. Place under a bowl to rise for 30 to 45 minutes.

While that is rising, mix the 2 cups warm water and the baking soda.
4. After the first rise, cut portions of the dough. Roll them into a long rope and shape into a knot.

5. Dip the pretzels in the baking soda bath, allowing the excess water to drip off.
Place the pretzels on a greased or lined baking sheet (or a baking stone).