CHEESY SOFT PRETZELS

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

2 tsp baking powder

1 tsp sugar

3/4 tsp salt

2 tbsp cold butter

2/3 cup milk

1 egg, beaten

Coarse salt

In a bowl, combine flour, cheese, baking powder, sugar and salt. Cut in butter until crumbly. Stir in milk just until moistened. Knead on a floured surface for 1 minute. Divide the dough in half. Roll each portion of dough into a 12" x 8" rectangle; cut each into 9, 8" long strips. Fold the strips in half, pinching the edges, and twist into pretzel shapes. 

Place on greased baking sheets. Brush pretzels with the egg and sprinkle with the course salt.

Bake at 400 degrees for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown. Best served immediately.

Yield: 18 pretzels

Recipe and photo from a 1999 TOH magazine.