42itous: (Default)
42itous ([personal profile] 42itous) wrote2011-04-08 06:43 pm
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Bretzlen

I'm looking for a recipe for traditional Bavarian-style pretzels. They're big and soft, like New York pretzels, but they don't have that gross bitter aftertaste.

Bitter aftertaste, you ask? Yes, I apparently taste something that other people don't, which I attribute to the baking-soda-and-water solution that many recipes call for. My understanding is that traditional recipes call for a lye-and-water solution, and I believe that's what German bakeries use, because those pretzels don't have the bitter aftertaste for me. I don't think I want to use lye in my kitchen, but I'm open to the possibility that there's another option.

Here are a few photos of what I want to make, complete with the cracked or slit surface of the thickest part of the twist.

Bonus points if your recipe uses sourdough, since I have a nice starter at the moment.
ext_100364: (Default)

[identity profile] whuffle.livejournal.com 2011-04-09 02:12 am (UTC)(link)
I'll do better than that. I'll make it with you! Unless you need it before the next time we can get together...

[identity profile] 42itous.livejournal.com 2011-04-09 03:05 am (UTC)(link)
Oh yes -- let's make pretzels together!
ext_100364: (Default)

[identity profile] whuffle.livejournal.com 2011-04-09 03:08 am (UTC)(link)
And Hootie will thoroughly enjoy getting to do that with us since he LOVES to bake.