I have always wanted to make bagels, and pretzels since I always found boiling the dough in alkaline water interesting. I love how it transforms the texture and taste of the dough. I tried boiling spaghetti in alkaline water in order to make spaghetti ramen and I thought it turned out really well. Try it out.

To make alkaline water, you will need 8 cups of water and 1/3 cup of baking soda. But we will use this later in the recipe.

Start by blooming the yeast.

In a bowl, (or measuring cup) add warm water, yeast and sugar. Stir lightly and allow to sit for 5 minutes. You can use warm water from the tap.

After 5 minutes, you should see the yeast start bubbling.

Add the yeast water to the dry ingredients (flour and salt) in another bowl. Knead the dough for about 5 minutes.

In the meantime, pre-heat the oven to 425 degrees and boil the water. Once the water is boiled, add 1/3 cup baking soda. BE VERY careful since once you put the baking soda in the water will bubble over easily. I would boil the water in a larger pot next time.

Portion the dough into 6 pieces.

Roll the dough into long ropes and cut into 1 inch pieces.

Cut an X on the tops of each piece.

Boil several pieces at a time in the water for about 30 seconds. Continue until you boiled them all.

Brush an egg wash to each dough piece and sprinkle with salt.

It is best to use course salt.

Bake for about 8-10 minutes until the pretzels get golden. Enjoy on their own or with a dipping sauce.

Pretzel Bites recipe from https://www.iheartnaptime.net/easy-homemade-pretzel-bites/

• 1 1/2 cups warm water (warm to touch tap water is ok)
• 1 packet active yeast (or 2 1/4 teaspoons)
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 1 1/2 tsp salt
• 4 cups flour

• 8 cups water
• 1/3 cup baking soda for water
• 1 egg for egg wash
• coarse salt

Pre-heat your oven to 425 degrees

In a bowl, mix together the warm water, yeast and sugar. Allow to sit for about 5 minutes until the yeast bubbles start forming. In another bowl, put in flour and salt and pour in the yeast water. Mix well. Knead for about 5 minutes.

Portion the dough into 6 or more logs. Roll them out until you get a long rope. Cut 1 inch pieces and place an X on each piece.

In a pot, boil 8 cups of water and baking soda. Be careful! Once you add the baking soda to your pot it will bubble over easily.

Boil the dough pieces a couple at a time for about 30 seconds.

Place on a baking tray and brush with an egg wash and sprinkle with salt. Bake for about 8-10 minutes or until golden brown on the tops.

Enjoy on their own or with a dipping sauce.

These make great appetizers.

For more recipes: https://eatitnoworeatitlater.com/recipes-list/