Neujahrspretzel (Soft Pretzels)

Instructions

1. 1

   Heat milk and butter until very warm (120-130 degrees F.).

2. 2

   Mix yeast, salt, sugar, and 1 cup flour.

3. 3

   Slowly beat into warm milk.

4. 4

   Beat for 2 minutes.

5. 5

   Add eggs and 1 cup of flour.

6. 6

   Beat for an additional 2 minutes.

7. 7

   Add enough flour to form a soft dough.

8. 8

   Knead until smooth and elastic, about 5 minutes.

9. 9

   Place dough in a greased bowl.

10. 10

    Let rise in a warm place until doubled in bulk, about 1 hour.

11. 11

    Punch dough down and let rise again until doubled (1 hour more).

12. 12

    Divide dough in half.

13. 13

    Shape pretzel as follows: Roll dough into a rope about 30 inches long and 1 1/2 inches in diameter.

14. 14

    Cross the ends leaving a large loop in the center.

15. 15

    Flip loop back onto crossed ends to form a pretzel.

16. 16

    Repeat with remaining dough.

17. 17

    Place pretzels on greased baking sheets.

18. 18

    Let rise 15 minutes more.

19. 19

    Bake at 375 degrees F for 25 to 30 minutes or until golden brown.

20. 20

    Cool on wire racks.

21. 21

    Mix powdered sugar, water and vanilla to form a thin icing.

22. 22

    Spread icing on pretzels and sprinkle with chopped almonds.

23. 23

    Makes 2 large pretzels.