Pretzel Rolls

6-7 1/2 c. flour
1t salt
3T canola oil
2t active dry yeast
2 1/2 c. slightly warm milk
1 c. slightly warm water
coarse sea salt to sprinkle on top

bath ingredients:
7 c. water
1T salt
4T baking soda

Mix yeast and warm milk in a small bowl and let rest for 10 minutes.

Whisk 5 3/4 c. flour and salt together in a large bowl.

Add oil and warm water to the yeast mixture.  Pour into the flour mixture.  Knead in the bowl until smooth.  Add flour as needed so you can handle the dough more easily.  The dough will be pretty stiff and sticky.  Cover with plastic wrap and place in a warm place to rise for 1 hour.  I like placing my dough in the oven with the oven light on or in the microwave with the door not quite closed so that light shines onto the dough.  The lights help it to keep warm and the enclosure helps drafts to stay out.  All these tips will help your dough rise more quickly.

Punch down the dough and knead for about 1 minute.  Cut into 15 pieces or to whatever size you desire.  Form the pieces into balls by pulling the dough under.

Place the rolls on a greased surface, like parchment or wax paper.  If your dough seems extra sticky, try greasing the parchment paper.  Let them rise for about 15 minutes.  Take this time to preheat your oven to 400 degrees F.

Place the bath ingredients into a large pot and bring to a soft boil.  Maintain the boil as you drop in the rolls a few at a time.  Allow them to poach in the bath 1-2 minutes.  Be sure both sides are poaching by rotating the rolls as needed.  Pull each roll out using a slotted spoon.

Arrange rolls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.  Slice the top of each roll a few times using a serrated knife.  Sprinkle with coarse sale.  Bake 20-25 minutes at 400 degrees F until they turn brown.  Cool on a wire rack.

These are delicious the day you make them.  Please be sure you eat one while it's warm!  The outside is crispy and the inside is soft and moist.  They will keep in a ziploc bag in a dry place for about a week.  I also found freezing them to work.  Place in a ziploc bag in the freezer and thaw in the microwave to serve.  Note that the outside will not be crispy after the first day but they still taste delicious!

Happy Baking! :)