Did you know that the pretzel is a traditional food for lent? In fact, the pretzel was actually invented in order to be a simple Lenten snack! 

Around the year 610, an Italian monk made a treat for the children who had learned to recite their prayers. Christians in those days prayed by folding their hands across their chests with each hand touching the opposite shoulder. This clever monk formed the dough so that it would look like hands folded in prayer. These little breads were called bracellae, the Latin word for “little arms.” Today, we call them pretzels. “Holy God, may these pretzel snacks remind us to always turn to you in prayer. Amen.”

Ingredients

•  1 Package yeast

•  1 ½ C. Warm water

•  1 Tbsp. sugar

•  1 tsp. Salt

•  4 C. Flour

•  1 Egg

•  Extra Salt for the tops. Large salt works best! 

Directions

Mix your yeast, water, sugar, and salt in a large bowl. Stir in the flour and knead until the dough is smooth. Shape into the form of arms crossed in prayer and place it on a baking sheet. Brush the dough with a beaten egg to give it a shiny finish. Sprinkle the top with salt and bake in an oven preheated to 425 degrees for 15 minutes.