Pretzels

Ingredients:
1 package active dry yeast
1 1/2 cups warm water
1 tablespoon sugar
1 tablespoon salt
4 cups flour
1 egg, beaten
Salt (optional)


Directions:
1.
Preheat oven to 425º F.
2.
In a medium sized bowl, combine water, sugar and salt then sprinkle yeast on surface of water. Let stand for 10 minutes to activate yeast.
3.
Stir in flour and mix well with a wooden spoon.
4.
Place dough on a floured surface and knead until smooth. To knead dough, flatten it with your hands, fold the dough into quarters and then flatten again. Do this for about five minutes. Flour your hands and the work surface to keep the dough from sticking.
5.
Roll the dough into 12" lengths, about 1/2" thick. Form the dough strips into different shapes: the "usual pretzel shape," numbers, letters, etc. Place on a lightly oiled baking sheet. Brush with egg or water then sprinkle lightly with salt (optional).
6.
Bake at 425º F. for 15 minutes or until golden brown

Southern BBQ Sauce Recipe

1 cup Tennessee whiskey
1 cup catsup
1 cup firmly packed brown sugar
3/4 cup cider vinegar
2 tablespoons grated orange peel
4 tablespoons (1/4 cup) freshly squeezed
orange juice, divided
1/2 cup finely chopped onion
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon cornstarch

Combine all ingredients except 2 tablespoons of the orange juice and the cornstarch. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, for 25 minutes; stir occasionally.

Mix cornstarch with remaining 2 tablespoons of the orange juice until smooth; stir into sauce. Increase temperature to medium-high. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly, until sauce thickens. Brush sauce on grilled chicken, steak or fish during last 5 minutes of grilling.

Jalapeno Hot Sauce Recipe

1 teaspoon vegetable oil
20 fresh jalapeno peppers, sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup minced onion
3/4 teaspoon salt
2 cups water
1 cup distilled white vinegar

In a medium glass or enamel lined sauce pan over high heat, combine oil, peppers, garlic, onion and salt; saute for 4 minutes. Add the water and cook for 20 minutes, stirring often. Remove from heat and allow mixture to cool to room temperature.
Transfer the mixture to a food processor and puree until smooth. With the processor running, slowly add the vinegar.
Pour into a sterilized jar with a tight lid. This sauce will keep for 6 months when stored in the refrigerator.