Pretzel bites

Anyone who knows me knows I'm a bread lover.  I'd rather eat bread than dessert.  These pretzel bites are perfect for snacking, appetizers or dessert!  Especially drizzled with salted caramel.  We tried them with honey mustard dip, but the caramel reigns supreme!  Adapted from  Guy's pretzel roll recipe.

Ingredients:

• 1 package Rapid Rise yeast
• 2 3/4 cups all purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
• 1 TB sugar, plus 1 tsp for sprinkling
• 1 tsp sea salt
• Olive oil to coat the bowl
• Cooking spray
• 1/3 cup baking soda

Directions:

Put 1 cup warm water (110 degrees F to 115 degrees F) in the bowl of a stand mixer and sprinkle the yeast on top. Set aside to bloom, 5 minutes. Meanwhile, combine the flour, sugar and salt in a large bowl.

Add the flour mixture to the yeast mixture and mix with the dough hook on the lowest setting until the dough comes together. Increase the speed to medium and continue to mix until the dough is elastic and smooth, about 8 minutes.

Form the dough into a ball, place in a large oiled bowl and turn the dough to coat it with oil. Cover with a damp kitchen towel and let rest in a warm place until doubled in size, 30 to 35 minutes. Line a baking sheet with foil or a silicone baking mat, coat generously with cooking spray and set aside.

Punch down the dough, then turn out onto a floured surface. Knead just until the dough is smooth and springs back when poked, about 1 minute.  Roll out dough to 1/8 inch.  Cut strips about an inch wide, and flatten with rolling pin.  Cut each strip in half and simply roll up like a crescent roll.  Make an X in the top of the roll.  Cover with a damp towel and let rise in a warm place until almost doubled in size, 15 to 20 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 425 degrees F and bring 8 cups water to a boil in a large saucepan over high heat.

Stir the baking soda into the boiling water (it will foam up slightly).  Add 5-6 rolls at a time, and poach for 2 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, remove the rolls, drain and place on the baking sheet, cut-side up. Sprinkle with sugar and salt. Repeat with the remaining rolls.

Bake the rolls until golden, about 10 minutes.  Brush with butter after baking.  Sprinkle with cinnamon if using salted caramel sauce.