Oatmeal & Soft Pretzels.

Our week is nearly done! I have tried getting on the laptop to update my blog, but it's been in use! I'm thinking a second laptop is moving over to the "needs" list with the kids all having computer work this year.

As I mentioned before, our day starts with oatmeal. We all enjoy many Jamie Oliver recipes, and he had a great section in one of his cookbooks on... oatmeal! :) So for something a little different this week we tried our usual oatmeal (2 cups oatmeal, 2 cups milk, 2 cups of water & a dash of salt) with this delicious topping.

We melted a tablespoon or so of butter in a pan, threw in a small handful of oats, stirred it around until it was nicely coated and then added a couple chopped up apples. We cooked it until the apples were cooked (but not mushy).

Brilliant! :)

Another family favorite 'snack' are these amazing pretzels. We typically make them into pretzel balls (and roll them in cinnamon sugar or sprinkle with a little salt), but Megan wanted to try making them into actual pretzels, and did a fine job if I do say so myself {wink}. Please note, these are HIGHLY addictive!

Pull out your bread machine (this makes these beauties SO easy!)...

Ingredients:

• 1 1/8 cups water (70 to 80 degrees F)
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 3 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 1/2 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 2 quarts water
• 1/2 cup baking soda
• coarse salt

• Directions

  1. In bread machine pan, place the first four ingredients in order suggested by manufacturer. Select dough setting (check dough after 5 minutes of mixing; add 1 to 2 tablespoons water or flour if needed).
  2. When cycle is completed, turn dough onto a lightly floured surface. (*The dough is VERY STICKY!*) Divide dough into eight balls. Roll each into a 20-in. rope; form into pretzel shape (or form into small 'timbit' size). In a saucepan, bring water and baking soda to a boil. Drop pretzels into boiling water, two at a time; boil for 10-15 seconds. Remove with a slotted spoon; drain on paper towels.
  3. Place pretzels on greased baking sheets. Bake at 425 degrees F for 8-10 minutes or until golden brown. Spritz or lightly brush with butter. Sprinkle with salt (or if you're looking for sweet, roll in cinnamon sugar).