Cheese Stuffed Pretzel Bites

 These are so good.   I like them plain and dipped in cheese, buffalo bleu cheese sauce and a honey mustard sauce.

                                  The cheese oozed out some, but they were still very good.

CHESSE SUFFED PRETZEL BITES

(makes about 80-90)

Ingredients:

*1 1/2 cups warm water

*1 tablespoon granulated sugar

*2 teaspoons kosher salt

*2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast

*4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

*4 tablespoons butter, melted

*2 1/2 quarts water

*2/3 cups baking soda

*1 large egg yolk, beaten

*1 tablespoon water

*1/8 cup kosher salt for topping

*12  string cheese  cut about  1 inch pieces

Directions:

~In a small bowl, combine 1 1/2 cups water, 1 tablespoon granulated sugar, and 2 teaspoons salt.

~Sprinkle 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast over water.

~Allow to sit for 10 minutes to allow the yeast to proof.

~Place 4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour into a large mixing bowl.

~Make a well in the center.

~Add 4 tablespoons of melted butter and the yeast mixture into the flour well.

~Mix to form dough.

~Knead dough on a lightly floured surface until smooth and elastic.

~Lightly oil a large bowl.

~Place dough into the greased bowl and turn to coat both sides.

~Cover bowl with plastic wrap or a clean damp towel and allow dough to rise until doubled in size (about 1 - 1/2 hours).

~Preheat oven to 450 degrees.

~Line cookie sheets with parchment paper and spray with cooking spray.

~In a large pot, bring 2 1/2 quarts water and 2/3 cup baking soda to a boil.

~While you are waiting for the oven to preheat and the water to boil, turn the dough out onto a lightly oiled surface.

~In a small bowl, whisk 1 beaten egg and 1 tablespoon water together.

~Divide the dough into 8 pieces.

~Roll each piece into a long rope (about 22-24 inches long).

~Cut each rope into about 1 1/2 inch pieces.

~Roll each piece into a ball and then flatten.

~Place a small piece of string cheese into the center.

~Close dough around the pice of cheese, making sure to seal the edges.

~Drop dough into boiling water for about 30 seconds.

~Remove dough from water and place on prepared cookie sheet.

~Brush each pretzel with egg wash.

~Sprinkle with desired amount of kosher salt.

~Bake for 13-15 minutes, or until golden brown.

~Remove from oven, and allow to cool on a wire rack for 5 mintues.