Pizza Pretzels

Ingredients

• 4 cups flour (reserve 1 cup for kneading)
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 2 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp instant yeast
• 1/3 cup margarine, softened or vegetable oil
• 300mL very hot tap water (or 150ml cold water and 150mL kettle boiled water)
• Tomato sauce
• Seasonings
• Pepperoni, sausage or ham (optional)
• Grated cheese

Instructions

1. In a large bowl mix together the flour, sugar, salt and undissolved yeast.
2. Add softened margarine or oil.
3. Gradually add warm water to dry ingredients and beat vigorously with a wooden spoon, scraping the bowl occasionally.
4. Using a wooden spoon, stir in enough additional flour to make a soft dough.
5. Turn out dough onto a lightly floured counter and knead until smooth and elastic (8-10mins). Sprinkle with additional flour if too sticky.
6. Let dough rise in a warm place.
7. Dough can be placed into a greased ziplock bag for storage in the freezer or fridge at this step. Can also use dough for pizza.
8. Grease baking sheets.
9. Punch dough down to remove air bubbles and divide into pretzel portions.
10. Roll portions into a rope and shape into a pretzel.
11. Place on tray and let rise for 15- 20mins or until double in size.
12. Mix together tomato sauce and seasonings.
13. Spread sauce over pretzels and add cheese, meat or other toppings.
14. Bake for 15-20 mins or until golden brown on the edges.
15. Remove from pans and cool on wire racks.

Note: If not using instant yeast, add warm water to a bowl. Mix in sugar and salt. Sprinkle yeast on top and let sit until yeast is activated. Mix yeast mixture into flour and add oil. Continue with step 4.