Aunt Anne's Pretzel Kit and #Recipe (Make Monkey Bread) @AuntieAnnes

So we all have went o the mall for one thing or another.  And of course we get a smell of both the cinnamon bun place and the pretzel place, Aunt Anne's.  Well, lets say instead of breaking down and buying the pretzel, you want to have a really interesting afternoon and MAKE the pretzels as home.  Easy breezy, and delicious, Aunt Anne's At Home Baking Kit .

When we made the pretzels they didn't look exactly like the famous ones at retail locations, but they did taste really good.  The best part was twisting them with the kids.  Also the ability to try something different.  Lets say a bit different like a pretzel dog or very different like a pretzel in the shape of a dog.  Pretzel rods, pretzel circles maybe a pretzel knot.  Also the ability to make salt/plain or cinnamon/sugar flavored or any strange flavor you can think of, like taco seasoning, etc.

So many possibilities so few pretzels per box.  By the end of the box my mind was spinning with the possibilities.  Could I make a cheese centered one?  how about peanut butter? How bout Cheese flavored dough?  What kind of shapes can I make?  Maybe a Celtic knot, or an Escher-esque pattern of impossible turns.

We made Pretzel Dogs, they were really fun for the kids to have with lunch  :)   But you can also make pizza, monkey bread, or how many kinds of pretzels?  TONS. 

DOUGH PREPARATION (1 DOUGH MIX)
NOTE: Baking Soda is not needed for this recipe. DO
NOT ADD BAKING SODA TO THE DOUGH MIX. Read all
instructions before proceeding.
1. In a large bowl, dissolve contents of 1 yeast packet in 1¼
cups lukewarm tap water (105°F). Let sit about 2 minutes.
Water temperature must not exceed 115ºF.
2. Add 1 dough mix to yeast/water mixture. Using a rubber
spatula (or your hands), mix until dough ball forms.
3. Turn dough ball onto lightly floured surface and knead
until soft, slightly tacky dough is formed (approximately 5-7
minutes). Add a small amount of flour if dough is too sticky.
4. Place dough ball into a large bowl that has been coated
with nonstick spray. Coat a sheet of plastic wrap with
nonstick spray and place on top of dough ball, tucking sides
down around dough (to prevent dough from drying out).
5. Place bowl in a warm spot (85-95ºF) for 30 minutes so
the dough can rise.

IF USING AN ELECTRIC MIXER: Follow steps 1 and 2,
combining yeast and water directly into a large mixing bowl.
Add dough mix to bowl with yeast/water mixture. Using an
electric mixer fitted with a dough hook attachment, turn on
low speed for 1 minute to allow dough mix to incorporate
into the yeast/water mixture. Increase speed to medium low
and continue mixing for an additional 4 minutes. Dough
should form a soft, smooth, and slightly tacky ball. Continue
to step 5.
Note: Bread Machines may be used to mix the dough (steps 1-3).
Machines vary; total mixing time should not exceed 15 minutes.


MONKEY BREAD BAKING INSTRUCTIONS
1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Melt 1 stick of butter.
2. Mix sugar and cinnamon together in a small bowl.
3. Tear risen dough into 50-60 one-inch pieces.
4. Roll each piece into a small ball and place 5-6 pieces at a
time into the melted butter and coat each piece evenly.
5. Place buttered dough pieces into the cinnamon sugar
mixture and shake bowl to coat. Place cinnamon sugar
coated pieces of dough into a greased 10-cup Bundt pan.
6. Repeat steps 4-5 until you have used all the dough pieces.
7. Bake 30-35 minutes or until golden brown. Cool in pan 5
minutes. Invert onto serving plate. Best served warm.

I would most definitely get this kit again, maybe even make my pretzels actually look like the box next time too.  :P

You can follow Aunt Anne's on any of the below platforms- I know you want to keep up on the pretzel-goodness  :) 
https://www.facebook.com/auntieannespretzels
https://twitter.com/AuntieAnnes
http://www.youtube.com/user/AuntieAnnesPretzels

Disclosure- I wrote this review while participating in a Blog Friendly PR campaign on behalf of Auntie Annes. I received a sample for my participation, all opinions are my own.