Something funny happens to people when you tell them you've baked fresh bread.
No, really. Try it, even if you didn't, just so you can see the reaction. {Although that's kinda cruel. We don't joke about homemade bread in my house.}
When you tell someone you've baked homemade bread, they get this starriness in their eyes and look at you like you have done something completely miraculous. Like you've just told them that you spun gold out of straw. Or walked on water. Or finished P90X.
But if you've ever baked homemade bread, you know the truth. There's not that much to it. It's literally flour, and water, and yeast. Nothing out of this world. No expensive truffle oil, or 50 year aged anything, or fancy spice from another land required. And yet, it's so darn delicious.
I don't mean to oversimplify the breadmaking process, because it is a process. I mean, yeah, there's all the kneading and clouds of flour and preoccupying yourself with other tasks while it rises and all that. But really, it's not all that hard.
Still, not too many people give it a try.
I think maybe what makes bread so special is that people know that it takes time. And we all know time is precious and limited, so it's pretty thoughtful to spend yours making something for someone else, even though the yeast is really doing most of the work. It's like telling someone you love them in edible form.
That might be why my Mom asked for birthday bagels instead of a cake this year. Or why I will never buy expensive perfume in hopes of seducing my husband because I know that the aroma of bread baking intoxicates him nearly to the point of buying me sparkly things. {I stress nearly.}
That's why when I planned my menu for our housewarming party, I knew I was going to bake homemade Pretzel Rolls {No, not to seduce them. Bad segue. Get your mind out of the gutter.}. They fit perfectly with my Oktoberfest theme. I knew our friends would love them. And, honestly, what warms a house better than that amazing smell coming from the oven?
The rolls were fantastic with sauerkraut and kielbasa, or on their own. They've got a chewy, pretzel-like outside, and a soft delicious inside. Everyone will love them. And they'll be so impressed with your bread making skills they'll probably nominate you for a Nobel Peace Prize. Or at least think you're really great.
I'm starting a bread baking revolution. Get in your kitchen and do it!
Pretzel Rolls
from Epicurious
Preparation:
- Cornmeal
- 8 cups water
- ¼ cup baking soda
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 egg white, beaten to blend {glaze}
- Coarse salt
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