Cannabis Infused Pretzels Recipe

Pretzels are a beloved snack known for their unique twisted shape and delicious taste. These crunchy delights have a fascinating history that dates back centuries. In this extended blog, we’ll take a deeper dive into the history of pretzels, explore their cultural significance, and share a modern twist on this classic snack with a recipe for cannabis-infused soft pretzels.

A Deeper Dive into the History of Pretzels

The exact origin of the pretzel remains a topic of debate among historians, but its roots are firmly planted in Europe. One of the earliest recorded mentions of pretzels dates back to a monastery in Southern France in 842 AD, where they were used to reward children for learning their prayers. However, the pretzel’s distinctive shape is believed to symbolize much more than a reward for piety.

The twisted design of the pretzel is said to represent arms folded in prayer. It is widely believed that pretzels were created by European monks as a symbol of spiritual devotion. In fact, the term “pretzel” may have originated from the Latin word “bracellae,” meaning “little arms.”

As pretzels gained popularity throughout Europe, they became associated with Lent due to their simple ingredients and lack of eggs, milk, and butter. This made them a suitable snack during the fasting period. German immigrants later brought pretzels to America in the 18th century, where they evolved and became a staple in American snack culture.

Cultural Significance of Pretzels

Pretzels have woven themselves into the cultural fabric of many countries around the world. Here are a few examples of their significance:

1. Germany: In Germany, pretzels are known as “Brezeln” and are commonly associated with Oktoberfest. They are often enjoyed with mustard or beer cheese.

2. Philadelphia, USA: The city of Philadelphia has a strong pretzel tradition, and the soft pretzel, with its characteristic browned crust and chewy interior, is particularly famous.

3. Austria: The Austrian version of pretzels, known as “Bretzel,” is often enjoyed with a sprinkle of coarse salt and makes for a delightful snack with coffee.

4. Switzerland: In Switzerland, pretzels are called “Bretzeli” and are a popular treat during Christmas.

5. Italy: In Italy, you can find a sweet version of pretzels known as “Taralli dolci” that are enjoyed during festive occasions.

Cannabis-Infused Soft Pretzels Recipe

Ingredients:

For the pretzel dough:

• 1 ½ cups warm water (110°F to 115°F)
• 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ¼ cup cannabis-infused butter (see note below)
• 2/3 cup baking soda
• 1 large egg yolk, beaten
• Pretzel salt, for topping

For the cannabis-infused butter:

• 1 cup unsalted butter
• 3.5 grams of finely ground cannabis (adjust to your desired potency)
• Cheesecloth and kitchen twine

Instructions:

(Note: The cannabis-infused butter should be prepared in advance, following the steps mentioned in the previous section.)

1. Prepare Cannabis-Infused Butter:

• Decarboxylate your finely ground cannabis by baking it at 240°F for 40 minutes. This activates the cannabinoids.
• In a saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Add the decarboxylated cannabis and simmer on low for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally.
• Strain the butter through a cheesecloth into a container and refrigerate until solid.

2. Make the Pretzel Dough:

• In a small bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy.
• In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt.
• Add the cannabis-infused butter and yeast mixture to the flour mixture. Mix until a dough forms.
• Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. Place it in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.

3. Shape and Bake:

• Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• In a large pot, bring 10 cups of water to a boil. Stir in the baking soda.
• Divide the dough into 8 equal portions and roll each into a long rope. Twist each rope into a pretzel shape.
• Carefully dip each pretzel into the boiling water-baking soda mixture for 30 seconds, then place them on the prepared baking sheet.
• Brush each pretzel with the beaten egg yolk and sprinkle with pretzel salt.
• Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the pretzels are golden brown.

4. Enjoy Responsibly:

Remember that these pretzels are infused with cannabis, so they should be consumed responsibly and in moderation. Start with a small portion, wait at least an hour, and gauge your tolerance before consuming more.

Pretzels have a rich and intertwined history with spirituality, fasting, and celebration across cultures. Their enduring popularity and unique shape make them a cherished snack worldwide. With this cannabis-infused soft pretzel recipe, you can enjoy a modern twist on this classic treat while appreciating the cultural significance that has made pretzels a beloved part of our culinary heritage. Enjoy your cannabis-infused soft pretzels with a twist of history and flavor!