Recipe: Whole Grain Pretzels

[Vic]

For you "chefs, cooks and foodies," here's a recipe that was sent to me by a personal trainer from his newsletter. I'm not sure I'll do it asap, but, who knows, I may just use regular whole wheat flour instead of the "super flour" he mentions, and play in the kitchen one of these days. Enjoy.

Vicki
Super Flour

You know that wheat bread is a healthier choice than white bread-so why not enrich your home baking with super flour? Regular flour is processed and contains little nutritional value, while super flour is packed with healthy grains.

To make one cup of super flour place the following in a one cup dry measuring cup: 1 tablespoon wheat germ, 1 tablespoon wheat bran, 1 teaspoon soy flour and 1 teaspoon nonfat powdered milk. Top off with whole wheat flour.
Whole Grain Pretzels

Who can pass up a soft pretzel that is warm from the oven? While the pretzels sold at the mall are drenched in butter and filled with processed ingredients, this recipe only uses a tablespoon of canola oil (the good fat) and super flour crams whole grain nutrition into every bite!

*Here's a quick tip: if you decide to purchase a pretzel at the mall, ask for it to be made ‘nonfat'—it may take a few extra minutes for them to bake one without butter, but you'll be saving yourself quite a few unnecessary calories and it will be nice and hot!
Servings: 6 pretzels

Here's what you need...

• 2 cups Super Flour, divided
• 1 Tablespoon Canola oil
• 1 cup organic apple juice
• 1 Tablespoon active dry yeast or 1 packet active dry yeast
• Salt -- optional

1. In a large mixing bowl combine 1 cup of the super flour, canola oil, apple juice and yeast. Beat with electric mixer for about 3 minutes. Add the remaining 1 cup of super flour.
2. Knead for 10-15 minutes, add water or flour as needed for a good consistency. Roll 6 pieces of dough into long snakes and form into pretzel shapes.
3. Coat a baking sheet with non-stick spray, place the pretzels on the sheet and allow to rise for 30 minutes. Heat oven to 450 degrees F. If desired, coat the top of each pretzel with a small amount of water and sprinkle with salt.
4. Bake the pretzels for 15 minutes or until they become golden brown.

Nutritional Analysis: One serving equals: 162 calories, 3g fat, 31g carbohydrate, 4g fiber, and 7g protein.

For you "chefs, cooks and foodies," here's a recipe that was sent to me by a personal trainer. I'm not sure I'll do it asap, but, who knows, I may just use the basic whole wheat flour instead of the "super flour" he mentions and play in the kitchen one of these days. Enjoy.