FHE- Prayer & Pretzels

For Family Home Evening we talked about Personal Prayer & Family Prayer. I found this story about how pretzels came about and then we made some yummy cinnamon sugar pretzels. We dipped them in Yummy icing! I thought it was kinda cool so I wanted to remember the story and also how to make the pretzels! =)

In about 610 A.D. a very creative Alpine Monk decided to make use of the pieces of dough left over from baking bread. The Monk formed them into thin strips folded into a looped twist to represent the folded arms of children in prayer. This scrumptious treat was given to the children as they learned their prayers. They began calling the treat "Pretiola", which is Latin for "little reward." Soon it was known the world over as a pretzel. The secret of making great pretzels is not only in the baking but also in the shaping. We, like pretzels, are made from the best ingredients, by the best hands available, the hands of our Father in Heaven. Have you ever seen a broken pretzel, or one that's lost its shape? We too, can lose our shape when we don't pray always to keep our spirituality intact. Even in the midst of our greatest trials, we must remember to call on the Lord. The simple shape of the pretzel, arms folded in prayer, reminds us to pray each day. Our "pretiola" or "little rewards" are the blessings we receive. Every time you see a pretzel, remember prayer. Check to see if your arms are often folded in prayer and have not lost their shape.

This is a very easy and fast recipe and I thought they tasted good.

Homemade Pretzels

1 Tbsp. dry yeast

3/4 c. warm water

1 Tbsp. sugar

1/2 tsp. salt

2 C. Flour

1 egg, beaten

Coarse salt

Wax paper

** Instead of the egg and coarse salt this time I did butter and cinnamon sugar.

Mix yeast in warm water. Add sugar and salt. Add flour and mix. Put dough on wax paper and knead until soft. Cut off pieces and shape as you like (too thick= doughy, too thin= brittle). Place them on a cookie sheet. Brush with beaten egg and sprinkle coarse salt. Bake at 425 degrees for 12 to 15 minutes.

For the icing I just mixed 1/2 of a stick of butter, 2 cups powdered sugar and a very little bit of milk until the consistency that you want.