Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup warm water
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 egg, beaten
- 8 ounces marzipan
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon milk
- Pink food coloring
- Pretzel salt
Special equipment needed:
- Stand mixer with dough hook attachment
- Rolling pin
- Pastry brush
- Parchment paper
- Baking sheet
Step-by-step instructions:
1. In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine flour, yeast, sugar, and salt. Mix well.
2. Add warm water and melted butter to the dry ingredients. Mix on low speed until a dough forms.
3. Increase the speed to medium and knead the dough for 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
4. Cover the bowl with a damp towel and let the dough rise in a warm place for 1 hour.
5. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
6. Divide the dough into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a long rope and shape it into a pretzel.
7. Cut the marzipan into 8 equal pieces and shape them into small piggy faces.
8. Place each piggy face onto the center of each pretzel.
9. In a small bowl, mix powdered sugar, milk, and pink food coloring to make a pink glaze.
10. Brush the glaze onto the piggy faces and sprinkle pretzel salt on top.
11. Bake the pretzels for 12-15 minutes until golden brown.
12. Let the pretzels cool on a wire rack.
- Time:
Preparation time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 12-15 minutes
Temperature:
- Oven temperature: 375°F
Serving size:
- 8 servings
Nutritional information:
- Calories per serving: 290
- Total fat: 12g
- Saturated fat: 5g
- Cholesterol: 44mg
- Sodium: 430mg
- Total carbohydrates: 38g
- Dietary fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 11g
- Protein: 6g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Almond flour can be used instead of all-purpose flour for a gluten-free option.
- Instant yeast can be used instead of active dry yeast.
- Margarine can be used instead of unsalted butter for a dairy-free option.
- Red food coloring can be used instead of pink food coloring.
Variations:
- Use different food coloring to make different colored piggy faces.
- Add chopped nuts or chocolate chips to the dough for added texture.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure the water is warm, but not too hot, or it will kill the yeast.
- Let the dough rise in a warm place, such as an oven with the light on or a warm spot on the counter.
- Brush the glaze onto the piggy faces gently to avoid smudging the faces.
Storage instructions:
- Store the pretzels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
- To reheat the pretzels, place them in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes until warm.
Presentation ideas:
- Serve the pretzels on a platter with a bowl of mustard for dipping.
Garnishes:
- Sprinkle chopped nuts or chocolate chips on top of the glaze for added texture.
Pairings:
- Serve the pretzels with a cold glass of milk or a hot cup of coffee.
Suggested side dishes:
- Serve the pretzels with a side of fresh fruit or a green salad.
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the dough is too dry, add a tablespoon of water at a time until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- If the dough is too sticky, add a tablespoon of flour at a time until it becomes easy to handle.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to wash your hands and all utensils before and after handling the dough and marzipan.
- Store the pretzels in an airtight container to prevent contamination.
Food history:
- Marzipan is a sweet almond paste that originated in the Middle East and spread to Europe during the Crusades.
Flavor profiles:
- The pretzels are soft and chewy with a sweet and nutty flavor from the marzipan.
Serving suggestions:
- Serve the pretzels as a fun and festive snack for a party or special occasion.
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Region: German