Ham & Cheese Pretzel Bites

This is a fun recipe to make because it involves making your own dough. Before I did the recipe, I had never made my own dough. I have to admit that I was a little intimidated at first but after doing it, it was pretty easy. The only caution about this recipe is that you have to give yourself enough time to properly make these. The dough takes 2 hours to rise before you can use it. On the plus side, because this is pretty much only bread, ham and cheese the kids will eat it! (I found this recipe on penniesonaplatter.com)

Ingredients:
2 - Tbsp brown sugar
1 - Cup warm milk (110-115 degrees F)
3 - Cups of flour
1 - Package of instant dry yeast
1 - Cup Ham, finely chopped
1 - Cup Mozzarella Cheese, Shredded
6 - Cups of water
4 - Tsp baking soda
4 - Tbsp unsalted butter
2 - Tbsp coarse kosher salt



Directions:
Start with your brown sugar, flour and milk warmer



In a small bowl, stir together the brown sugar and warm milk until dissolved.





In a large bowl, combine 2.5 cups of flour, the yeast and the milk mixture.



Stir until a soft dough forms adding the remaining flour as needed.



Put the dough on a lightly floured surface and gently knead a few times, forming a smooth ball.



Brush the inside of a large clean bowl with olive oil. Transfer the dough to the bowl and tightly cover with plastic wrap. Allow the dough to rise in a warm, draft-free area for about 2 hours, until the dough have doubled in size and bubbles appear on the surface

 Turn dough on to a lightly floured surface. Divide into 4 equal pieces. Lightly dust your hands and rolling pin with flour. Roll on of the four sections into a 12 x 4-inch rectangle (my picture doesn't really look like it but.... close enough).

With the long side facing you, press in 1/4 of the ham and cheese into the bottom third of the dough.

Roll as tight as possible.

Cut into 12 1-inch pieces (or as many pieces as you can make depending on the size of your dough). Place the pieces on to a baking sheet that is covered with Parchment paper. Repeat with the remaining 3 portions or dough. Let them rest uncovered for up to 30 minutes, uncovered at room temperature. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F.

Bring 6 cups of water to a boil. Add the baking soda and reduce heat to a gentle simmer. Boil the pretzels in batches, cooking about 20 seconds each turning once (I wasn't really able to turn them, I just dunked them under the water). They will puff out a lot more. Using a slotted spoon, transfer them back to the baking sheet. Bake until puffed and golden-brown, about 15 minutes. Brush warm pretzel bites with melted butter and sprinkle with salt.