Pretzel Dogs

It is an exciting day at my house when I make these pretzel dogs.  They are such a fun food for my hungry puppies to enjoy, and me too for that matter!  Simply wrap hot dogs (or sausage for those of us who can't stomach hot dogs...) in pretzel dough, boil them, then bake them!  If you are wondering about boiling in baking soda water, it gives the pretzels that wonderful chewiness.  So delicious, and so easy to put together.  Paired with a vegetable side, this makes a perfect meal.


Pretzel Dogs


Dough:
3/4 cup warm water
1/2 Tablespoon sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 teaspons yeast
2 1/4 cups all purpose flour
1 Tablespoon melted, cooled butter


4 hot dogs (or sausages) 
5 cups water
1/3 cup baking soda
Kosher salt


Combine the dough ingredients in your bread machine and set for a dough cycle, or combine the water, sugar, and salt in a bowl, and sprinkle the yeast on top.  Let stand for five minutes, then add the flour and butter, and mix and knead until the dough is shiny an elastic.  Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for one hour.


Preheat oven to 450F.  In a non reactive saucepan, bring the water and baking soda to a boil.  While the water is heating, punch down the dough and divide into four pieces.  Roll each piece into a rope about 12 to 18 inches long.  Dry each hot dog (or sausage) with a paper towel (or the dough will not stick) and wrap a rope of dough around each hot dog, taking care to seal completely.


Boil each pretzel dog in the baking soda/water mixture for one minute.  Remove from the water and place on a greased baking sheet.  While the pretzel dogs are still wet, sprinkle with kosher salt.  Repeat with remaining pretzels.  Bake for about 14 minutes, or until a deep golden brown.  Makes 4 generous servings.


Enjoy!  -Cardamommy