Pretzels with Cheese Dip

By far, The Yummiest Pretzels Ever!!!

Ingredients:

* 1 package (1/4 ounce) active dry yeast
* 1 cup warm water (110° to 115°)
* 2 tablespoons butter, softened
* 1 tablespoon sugar
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 2-3/4 cups all-purpose flour
* 4 cups water
* 2 tablespoons baking soda
* Coarse salt
* 8 ounces process American cheese, cubed
* 1 package (3 ounces) cream cheese, softened
* 1 to 2 tablespoons milk
* Prepared mustard

Directions:
In a large bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water. Add butter, sugar, salt and 2 cups flour; beat until smooth. Add enough remaining flour to form a soft dough. Cover and let rise in a warm place for 20 minutes.
Punch dough down. Divide into 12 equal pieces. On a lightly floured surface, roll each piece into a 15-in. long strip; twist into a pretzel shape.
In a large non-aluminum kettle, bring water to a boil; add baking soda. Drop two pretzels into water; boil for 1 minute. Remove with a slotted spoon; drain. Place on a greased baking sheet; sprinkle with coarse salt. Repeat for each pretzel. Bake at 475° for 10-12 minutes. Remove from pan to wire racks to cool.
For dip, combine cheeses in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on high for 2-3 minutes or until melted, stirring occasionally. Stir in milk. Serve the pretzels with the cheese dip and mustard. Yield: 1 dozen.




Picture borrowed from Taste of Home website.