This last week I was fortunate enough to take a little getaway to Telluride with my boyfriend. We’ve visited Telluride before, and it never disappoints.
I loved that while we came right on the tails of a winter storm that brought about 35″ of fresh snow, the town itself still remained fairly quiet.
On Tuesday, we had perfect weather- 45 degrees and full sunshine. It felt like Spring! We spent some time exploring highway 145 and the area near Lizard Head Pass. I love bluebird days- when there is not a cloud in sight, and pure, blue Colorado sky.
Now I’m back in Vail and back to business. The last two months I’ve been hard at work on my new wedding/special event cake business. Many hours (and still counting) have been devoted to developing my cake menu and building my portfolio.
My cakes are unique in the sense that they are composed much like a plated dessert- contrasting textures and flavors in every bite. I guess that’s the pastry chef in me. Why have only one type of cake and filling when you can have several?
I also like to give my cakes extreme attention to detail- whether it be sugar feathers, thin fabric-like ruffles, or delicate gumpaste flowers.
You can check out my whole portfolio and flavors at Megan Joy Cakes.
But the real reason this post exists today is to share my soft pretzel recipe. I used to make these for staff meal sometimes at the restaurant and they were always a hit. You can leave them as is and eat them plain and they will be delicious. But I recommend playing around with them once you get comfortable with the recipe.
Just think of your favorite pretzel places and what toppings they use that you enjoy best. I like to mix a little chili powder, chipotle chili powder, paprika, salt, and sugar together and sprinkle it over the tops before I bake them. When they’re done baking, sprinkle them with shredded cheddar cheese and put them back in the oven for a minute to melt the cheese. Delicious, cheesy goodness awaits.
How to make this high altitude adjusted recipe:
Soft Pretzels
Adapted from Le Cordon Bleu Professional Baking by Wayne Gisslen
- 11.5 oz (1 cup plus 3½ oz) warm water (110-115 F)
- 1½ teaspoons dry yeast
- 3½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- Wash:
- ½ cup warm water
- 1½ tablespoons baking soda
- Kosher salt, for sprinkling on top
- Combine the warm water and yeast in a medium-sized bowl and let sit for a few minutes until the yeast is activated and foamy.
- Add the flour, salt, and sugar and mix until the dough starts to form a ball.
- Knead for 6-7 minutes or until the dough forms a "gluten window".
- A gluten window is formed when a small piece of dough can be stretched into a square shape between your thumbs and index fingers. If the center of the square is stretched thin without the dough tearing, your "window" is formed.
- If the dough tears before it can be easily stretched, then knead it a few minutes longer.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl and toss once to coat the top. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise for about 20-25 minutes, until the dough has doubled in size.
- Once the dough has proofed, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface.
- Preheat your oven to 365 F.
- Cut the dough into 6 pieces. Roll each piece into a 16" rope.
- Bring the two end pieces up and twist to form a pretzel.
- Place the pretzels on a greased and parchment-lined baking sheet, spaced two inches apart.
- Combine the water and baking soda. Using a pastry brush, generously coat each pretzel with the baking soda mixture. You won't use all of it. Sprinkle with salt, if desired.
- Place the pretzels in the oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes, until they are a deep golden brown.
- Makes 6 pretzels.
Note: This recipe was adapted from high altitude baking. To make these at sea level, increase the yeast to 1 3/4 teaspoons. Your rising time will also be about twice as long.
