Pretzels

Today's Lenten activity was making pretzels.

Did you know that pretzels were first made by monks and given away as reminders to pray during Lent? The twisted shape of the pretzel represents the hands crossed over the chest (which is how people used to pray). The three holes in the pretzel remind us of the three Persons of the Holy Trinity (God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit). The salt on the pretzel reminds us that we are the "salt of the earth" --- and we are to flavor our lives with love, patience, and sacrifice.

And so, baking pretzels is a great Lenten activity!

We used this recipe:

1 tablespoon honey or sugar
1.5 cups lukewarm water
1 envelope active dry yeast
1 teaspoon salt
4 cups flour
course or kosher salt
1 egg, beaten

Add the honey to the water. Sprinkle in the yeast and stir until dissolved. Add 1 teaspoon salt. Blend in flour and knead the dough until smooth. Cut the dough into pieces. Roll them into ropes and twist into pretzel shapes. Place pretzels on lightly greased cookie sheets. Brush them with beaten egg. Sprinkle with coarse salt. Bake at 425 degrees for 12 - 15 minutes or until the pretzels are golden brown.

We really had fun with this! Everyone added ingredients and took turns kneading the dough. Ray really liked rolling out the dough and shaping the pretzels. He also brushed them with egg. Adam put on the salt. We all enjoyed eating them and we even took a plate of warm pretzels up to Jon and all the people at his office. They were a big hit! Yum! We've alread decided that we will make them again soon and put cinnamon and sugar on instead!

A few people have asked me where I get my ideas. I wish I could say I think of them all on my own.... but the truth is that I've collected a lot of ideas and idea books over the years, especially when I was teaching and leading youth ministry. I do think of some on my own, but I have also really learned a lot from other people and resources. Also, there are SO MANY amazing blogs out there which I enjoy reading. I hope to figure out soon how to list my favorite blogs here on my blog so that you can enjoy them too. Also, as I post various ideas I will try when I can to give credit to where I got them.

Happy day to you!
Katie