Chewy Philadelphia-style Soft Pretzels

Total Time: 2 hrs 20 mins Preparation Time: 2 hrs Cook Time: 20 mins

Ingredients

• Servings: 20
• 2 cups milk
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/2 cup warm water
• 1 (1/4 ounce) package active dry yeast
• 6 cups all-purpose flour or 6 cups bread flour
• 3/4 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 1/2 tablespoons salt
• 1 large egg
• 1 tablespoon water

Recipe

• 1 in a saucepan, heat milk just until bubbles form around the edge; remove from the heat and stir in brown sugar. stir until dissolved then set aside. meanwhile, combine warm water and yeast. let stand for 3 minutes then add the cooled milk mixture. beat in flour until smooth. cover and set aside for 45 minutes to rise.
• 2 stir down the dough then gradually add flour, baking powder, and salt. place on a floured surface and knead for 5 minutes, or until smooth and elastic. roll into a 16' x 10-inch rectangle then cut into 1/2-inch wide strips. roll each strip into a rope and twist into large pretzels. let rise about 30 minutes.
• 3 bring a large kettle of salted water to a boil. preheat the oven to 400 degrees. lower the pretzels gently into the boiling water for about 5 seconds then remove and place 2-inches apart on a greased baking sheet.
• 4 beat egg and water and lightly brush the pretzel tops. sprinkle with coarse salt and bake at 400 degrees for 18 to 20 minutes, or until golden brown.