Review: Fleischmann’s Pretzel Creations & Apple Cinnamon Pretzels

Like many people, I cannot get enough of the pretzel trend. I enjoy many different versions of the soft-baked pretzel, whenever possible. In fact, my meal selection is easily swayed by a pretzel bun. Oh that sandwich comes on a pretzel bun? Sold. But of course, my favorite is making my own pretzel buns at home.

Now Fleischmann’s Yeast is making it even easier to make your own pretzel creations at home. Fleischmann’s Simply Homemade Baking Mixes is introducing Pretzel Creations, which makes fresh-baked pretzels in less than an hour. The package contains pretzel mix, yeast, baking soda and pretzel salt – all you need is water and oil.

In a large bowl, I combined the pretzel mix, yeast, water, and oil. According to the directions all that was left was to mix it together and then let it rise, covered, for only 25 minutes! But I decided to knead my dough a little bit to get a smooth dough which I am more accustomed to.

After the dough was done rising, I decided to divide the dough in half and make two different things. With one half I made regular pretzels and they came out perfect. I served them with a bacon cheddar ranch dipping sauce.

With the other half, I decided to stuff the dough with apples tossed in cinnamon-sugar. After boiling, I sprinkled them with more cinnamon-sugar. Don’t they look like little apple pies?

They even tasted like apple pie, but with a pretzel crust. Originally I had contemplated stuffing them with apple pie filling, but worried that would be messy and more difficult to seal. Using fresh apple slices and cinnamon-sugar sounded good enough to me and they turned out to be delicious. Eat alone or serve with a cinnamon-sugar cream cheese dip.

Two years ago: Basil Butter

APPLE CINNAMON PRETZELS

Makes 18

Ingredients:

PRETZELS

1 package Simply Homemade Pretzel Creations (omit salt packet)

3/4 cup very warm water

2 Tbsp canola oil

1 apple, peeled and cut into 18 slices

1 Tbsp sugar

1 tsp cinnamon

TOPPING

1/4 cup sugar

1 Tbsp cinnamon

Directions:

1. In a large bowl, combine pretzel mix and yeast.  Add very warm water and oil and knead until thoroughly combined.  (Dough may be stiff; use hands if desired).
2. Cover dough and let rise 25 minutes in a warm, draft-free place.  (Dough will not double in size.)  Meanwhile, in a small bowl toss apple slices with cinnamon and sugar until coated.
3. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.  Divide dough into 18 equal portions; one at a time flatten a piece into a circle slightly larger than twice the size of an apple slice.  Place one apple slice on top, fold over dough and seal.  Place the on prepared baking sheet.  Cover with towel to prevent drying out.  Repeat with remaining dough.
4. Preheat oven to 400°F.  Combine 6 cups water with baking soda in a large deep saucepan until water boils (mixture will be foamy).  Using a slotted spoon or spatula, dip pieces (4 at a time) into the boiling water for about 15 to 20 seconds.  Remove from water and place back on baking sheet, and immediately sprinkle with cinnamon-sugar.  Continue with remaining pieces.
5. Bake for 5 minutes and then switch pans to promote more even browning.  Bake an additional 5 to 7 minutes until golden brown.  Remove pieces from baking sheets and serve warm.
6. Best when eaten the same day, but reheat well in a toaster oven.

Source: The Spiffy Cookie original

Disclosure: I was provided with a complimentary package of Fleischmann’s Simply Homemade Pretzel Creations. I was not compensated for this post. All thoughts and opinions are my own.