I'm hoping that today's post will be a fun one. I really had no idea what kind of pretzel I wanted to make and I had this strange craving for pie and before I knew it I was making pretzel pies.
I've always had a sweet spot for Lemon Meringue Pie. I closed my eyes and I saw what I was craving; lemon-thyme pretzels with mascarpone and lemon curd all dressed up with meringue. Will these be hotter than macarons?
Then I had a crazy idea that drove me to make peanut butter and nutella filled chocolate pretzels. I think someone should call the doctor; because before I knew it I had turned the pretzels into a cake.
Although I had my pretzel fill my heart still yearned for something more. I really wanted a pumpkin pie. Surely that would make my birthday complete. My husband who had just walked in from work and shoved one of these down his throat; looked at me and said, "These taste just like a pumpkin pie".
Pumpkin Pie Pretzels
1/2 cup water, 110 degrees F
3 teaspoons dry active yeast
2 1/2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
4 tablespoon sugar
1/2 cup organic pumpkin puree
2 large eggs
1 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
4 ozs. Cream cheese, softened (whipped works good here)
2 teaspoons water
Coarse sugar
Ground cinnamon
I used the basic instructions that you can find here. Only changes I made were I spread the cream cheese down the center third of the dough and sprinkled the tops with coarse sugar and cinnamon.
Once the pretzels were cooled, I drizzled mine with a little powdered sugar icing (optional, but good).
I bet you thought this post was about me, well it's more about you and how lucky I am to have connected with so many of you on my blogging journey. My blogging journey has brought me around the world without ever having stepped foot on a plane.
I met a sweet woman named Becky shortly after I started blogging. I saw her trying to feel her way around and tried to help her with what little knowledge I had. When I found out her late mom and I shared a birthday, well I knew we were meant to be friends. I've enjoyed watching her grow and reading about her family. I'm so over the moon she baked me a cake. Thank you Becky!
I think Becky has my lemon and blueberry loving number. You can get the recipe here.
I can't even tell you how many times Maya has put a smile on my face. I love how she never shows me the expected. One day I'm hoping to make it to her side of the world and we are going to hang out in her hammock and compare all the crazy ideas that come into our food warped brains. Thank you so much Maya!
Maya I can't even tell you how much I love the fact you made me a hat. I'm sure she has the fact I'm a goofball pegged.
I think this may be the next food/fashion trend, everyone is going to want to be sporting one of these hats. Go see Maya and get the recipe for Princess Beatrice Pretzels here.
Then there is sweet Nancy, someone else I hope I will have the pleasure of meeting one day. I can't thank her enough for all the dumb questions she has answered for me. We laugh at each other's silly humor and I'm in awe of her photography skills. I adore the poem she wrote me in her post. Thank you Nancy!
You must read about these Smoked Turkey and Edam Cheese Pretzels with Nectarine Jalapeno Sauce for yourself here.
Then there is Miss Parsley Sage or P.S. as I like to refer to her. I remember the first time I read her blog; I knew I wanted to get to know her better. I'm a tad jealous; she lives in the Caymans and gets to hang out at the bar on the beach. She baked me a pretzel even though baking was outside her comfort zone. Isn't that what this blogging thing is all about, I love it? Thank you P.S.!
Jerk Pretzels - I sure wish I had one today.
Next we have Lilly, sweet Lilly thought she forgot and ran to her kitchen to make these. Lilly anyone that thoughtful and sweet ranks at the top of my list. I've seen some pretty tasty eats on her blog, I have saved to make soon. She is someone I will be keeping a close eye on.
A sweet and savory duo with chorizo, Lilly you must know me well. Get Lilly's recipes here.
If your schedule is anything like mine these days; I know how hard it was to fit these in. I'm so grateful for all of you putting a birthday smile on my face. Feel free to keep honing your pretzel skills and send me the links so I can share with everyone just how amazing you are.
I appreciate all the love and pretzel wishes,
Gina
