Tastes of the Outposts: Pretzel Buns

Article by Robert Atkins

Directions:

Heat Milk and butter until just melted (but not melted completely) combine the yeast, and brown sugar and then remove from heat.

In a large mixing bowl, pour the milk mixture , stir in salt, 2 Cups of flour and mix for about 1½ to 2 ½ minutes. Gradually, add enough of the remaining flour to make a soft and smooth dough ball. Knead on a lightly floured surface for about 5 to 10 minutes, depending on toughness of the dough. Place in a greased bowl, greased side up and let rise for 1 hour or until roughly double in size.

Preheat oven to 375 degrees

Prepare boiling solution, then punch down dough and split into two equal halves. Form each piece into a tight, round, and smooth ball. Drop into boiling solution for about 3 minutes, and then turn over and boil for another minute. Remove and place on a greased baking sheet.

Prepare egg wash, and brush dough with the wash. Cut some lines in the top but not too deep. Bake at 375 for about 12 to 15 minutes then reduce heat to 350 and bake an additional 10 minutes or until browned evenly. Remove from pan and cool on wire rack.

So this is one part of a two part recipe for the end of summer/beginning of fall. Sometimes you just have a craving for something different and pretzel buns and a pulled pork sound like the perfect fall dish. As an added bonus, these two recipes freeze fairly well so all you have to do is prepare them ahead of time and then freeze them for whenever you will need them. I found this and as always made them a few times and have had to “perfect” the recipe. I have also made particularly good garlic bread for pasta dishes with this. To do this, after baking and cooling slice long ways, then brush with olive oil and grated garlic.

Another great thing to make ahead of time if you know you are going to need them you can always make smaller buns by dividing the doughballs in half again for a total of four (4) medium buns.

This is a little labor intensive on the front end, but the results are great. You can also substitute whole wheat flour for the all-purpose with the same results.