{recipe} Soft Pretzel Bites

There is nothing like freshly baked pretzels - I miss the German bakery and the distinct smell of freshly bakes pretzels.  These little beauties is super easy to make, and less labor intensive - it will also without a doubt hit the spot.

 SOFT PRETZEL BITES:
Adapted from the Weelicious Lunches cookbook
* makes about 80 pretzel bites

1 cup water, warm
1 tbsp honey  (I like using raw honey)
1/4 oz package of active dry yeast
2 cups whole wheat flour (I use King Arthur white whole wheat flour)
1 tsp Celtic sea salt + more for sprinkling
2 tsp olive oil (make sure you buy unaltered olive oil)
1 cup water, room temperature
2 tsp baking soda (Bob's Red Mill is my favorite brand)

* I recommend using organic/grass-fed/high quality ingredients from reputable companies when feasible.

Pour warm water and honey into the bowl of a stand mixer (this is the one I own and love,) and whisk together until combines.  Sprinkle the active dry yeast over the top, and let the mixture sit at room temperature for 10 minutes.

Sift the whole wheat flour and celtic sea salt over the top of the yeast mixture.  Using the dough hook attachment, knead the dough for about 5 minutes until a soft ball forms, adding more flour if needed.

Grease a medium size glass bowl with the olive oil - place the soft dough ball inside the bowl, and cover with a kitchen towel.  Let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes.

Place the dough on a lightly floured counter top.  Divided the dough into 8 equal parts.  Roll each piece of the divided dough into a 10-inch rope - cover the dough you aren't working with, with a kitchen towel.

Cut each dough rope into 10 equal parts.  Cover the pretzel bites with a kitchen towel, and let them rest at room temperature for 10 minutes.

Preheat the oven to 400°F, and Line a 9x13 inch baking sheet  with parchment paper (I like to use unbleached parchment paper.)

In a small bowl wish together the water and the baking soda.  Dip each soft pretzel bite into the baking soda mixture, and place on the prepared baking sheet.  Sprinkle with salt.

Bake the soft pretzel bites for 6-8 minutes until golden.

Keep the soft pretzel bites in an airtight container on the counter for 1-2 days.

Freezer friendly: These soft pretzel bites, freezes beautifully. Cool cookedsoft pretzel bites completely on a wire cooling rack.    Line a 9x13 inch baking sheet  with parchment paper (I like to use unbleached parchment paper.) Place the soft pretzel bites on the baking sheet lined with parchment paper.  Freeze for 30 minutes. Transfer the frozen soft pretzel bites to a labeled (content and date) freezer zipper bag.  Freeze for up to 3 months.