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For the pretzels:
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1.
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Combine water, sugar, yeast and butter in the bowl of a stand mixer and mix until combined.
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Let it sit for 5 minutes.
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2.
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Add the salt and flour and mix on low speed (using dough hook) until combined.
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Increase the speed to medium and continue mixing until dough is smooth and begins to pull away from the side of the bowl.
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This will probably take about 3-4 minutes.
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If dough appears too wet, add more flour a tablespoon at a time.
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3.
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Remove the dough from bowl, place on a flat, floured surface and knead into a ball.
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4.
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Coat a bowl with olive oil, add the dough into the bowl and roll it to coat with oil.
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Cover the bowl with plastic wrap, place in a warm draft-free spot and allow to rise until doubled in size.
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5.
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Preheat oven to 425 F. 6.
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Bring 12 cups of water to boil in a medium-sized sauce pan then add baking soda.
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7.
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Remove the dough from the bowl and place on a floured surface.
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Divide dough into eight equal pieces.
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Roll each piece into a rope about 22 inches long.
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Cut dough into about 1-inch pieces.
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8.
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Boil the dough pieces in the water solution in small batches, about 10-15 at a time.
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Boil for about 30 seconds.
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Remove them with a slotted spoon.
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Repeat with the remaining dough pieces.
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9.
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Place the boiled pretzel bites on a baking sheet that has been sprayed with cooking spray.
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Try to keep the bites from touching.
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10.
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Combine the egg and 1 tablespoon of water in a small bowl.
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Brush the tops of the pretzel bites with the egg wash and sprinkle liberally with salt.
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11.
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Bake for 15-18 minutes or until golden brown.
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12.
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Remove the pans to a baking rack and allow the pretzels to cool for 5 minutes before eating.
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13.
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While pretzel bites are baking, make cheese sauce.
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For the cheese sauce:
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14.
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Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
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Add flour and cook 1 minute.
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Whisk in the milk and cook until slightly thickened.
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15.
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Remove from heat, stir in the cheeses until smooth and all of the cheese is melted.
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Add the salt, pepper and garlic powder.
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Stir until smooth.
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Dip pretzels in the cheese sauce.
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Enjoy!
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Adapted from: Two Peas and Their Pod.
