Ronald McDonald House Charities

And we feel a deep sense of pride in our network of programs, helping sick children get better faster. But sometimes, it also takes a little bit of luck to get over the biggest hurdles.  

So … we’ve got a recipe that in German households is said to bring good luck: A traditional New Year’s pretzel. Sweet, nutty, braided perfection. With just a piece of this delicious, family-friendly baked treat, good luck is promised all year long.

Wishing you a wonderful 2013!

Ingredients:

Sweet Dough

• 2 packages active, dry yeast
• 7 cups of flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 2 cups milk
• 1/2 cup butter

Nut Filling

• 2 pounds of finely chopped nuts
• 1 cup applesauce
• ½ cup sugar 
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

Glaze

• 2 cups confectioner's sugar
• About a 1/2 cup milk (or as much or as little to get the right consistency of glaze)
• 1/2 teaspoon vanila
• extra nuts for topping

Directions:

You want to start by making the sweet dough. Melt butter over medium low heat, add milk, and bring to about 110 degrees Farenheit.

Combine yeast, with 1 cup of flour, sugar and salt. Add into heated milk and butter mixture, making sure everything is incorporated. Let sit for five minutes.

Add remaining flour, cup by cup to the mixture. Stirring until well incorporated each time. On the 6th and 7th cups, you will need to use your hands to start needed the dough together. Remove the dough from the bowl, and need for five to seven minutes until the dough is smooth and supple. It should be pretty firm dough though. Place is a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap and a towel, and let sit undisturbed in a temperature controlled part of the house for one hour. After that hour, punch the dough down, and let it rise again for one hour.

Meanwhile, you can make the nut mixture by combine the applesauce, nuts, sugar, and cinnamon. Stir until well combined.

When the dough is ready, roll it out into a long rectangle (like 30 inches by 10 inches long rectangle.)  Yes, this is going to be one BIG pretzel. Place nut mixture down the middle of the dough and then fold over like an envelop in three pieces to make sure all the nut mixture is covered. Seal the edges gently. 

On a parchment lined (BIG) baking sheet, fold the dough into a pretzel shape. Again, gently press ends together.

Bake at 375 degrees for 25-30 minutes or until the dough is golden brown on top.

Let cool. Make the glaze and then top the pretzel with it and a sprinkling of walnuts.