Back in the fifth century in places like Austria, Germany and Poland, people didn’t use any milk, oil or fat during Lent. So, therefore they couldn’t make bread. As a substitute, people began to make pretzels, because the recipe didn’t contain those ingredients. It became a tradition to make pretzels on Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent. Many times during Lent, people would make pretzels and take them to the townspeople that were poor or didn’t have anything to eat. In German, “pretzel” means “little arms.” The pretzel takes its shape from arms crossed in prayer.
What Lenten or Easter traditions do you have in your family?
A Pretzel Prayer for Lent
Heavenly Father, we ask you to bless these little breads. Each time we eat them may we be reminded of the special season we are in and that through prayer we will become better people to each other. Let us not forget those who are in need of our prayers daily. Keep your loving arms around us, O Father, to protect us always.
Amen.
Lenten Pretzels
1 cake yeast
1 ½ cup warm water
1 tsp. salt
1 T sugar
4 cups flour
Dissolve yeast in warm water and sugar for about five minutes. Mix the flour and salt and add yeast mixture. Knead well (seven or eight minutes), adding more flour if necessary to form a firm dough. Let it rise, covered, in a greased bowl until double the original size. Preheat oven to 475°F. Divide dough into 32 equal parts. Roll each part into a snakelike strand, form strand into pretzel shape, and place on greased baking sheet. Brush with beaten egg and sprinkle with coarse salt if desired. Bake for about 10 minutes or until done.
