Quit Drooling and Make These!

When we created our Maple Chipotle Mashup, we’ll be the first to admit: We got a lot of weird looks. The idea of combining sweet Vermont Maple syrup with smoky and spicy Chipotle? The unholy mashup between the sweet New England nectar and the searing Southern spice? It is irrational. It is eccentric. Some might call it avant-garde, even. Sure, it isn’t conventional, but one thing is hard to argue: It is DELICIOUS.

So, what exactly does the adventurous culinary creature do with one of our most mind bending spice blends ever? Twist, turn, and refashion one of the world’s most iconic and classic snacks into the surprising, sweet, and spicy treat that it was destined to be.
Ladies and gentlemen, for your snacking and sharing pleasure: Buttery Maple Chipotle Pretzel Bites

The soft, sweet, savory, and spicy (we love alliteration) interpretation of the classic stadium favorite will thrill your taste buds and impress your guests. Serve these hot and fresh out of the oven and get ready for the delightfully confused (yet genuinely thrilled) looks from your guests. This recipe can be especially fun to make with kids because your hands will undoubtedly get messy and, well, kids love getting their hands messy!

What you need:

• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 1/2 tablespoons active dry yeast
• 6 tablespoons brown sugar
• 4 tablespoons butter, melted
• 4 1/2 cups flour
• 2 teaspoons fine salt
• 1/3 cup baking soda
• 3 cups warm water
• 12 tablespoons salted butter, melted (mmm...butter)
• 4 tablespoons Maple Chipotle Mashup Spice Blend
• Coarse salt for topping (sometimes referred to as kosher salt, it's flakier than the sand-like texture of fine or sea salt)

What you do:

1. Warm up the milk in the microwave for just about one and a half minutes. It should be about 110º. You should be able to comfortably keep your finger in it. If the milk is too hot, it can kill the yeast. That would be bad.
2. Stir in the yeast and one tablespoon of the brown sugar and let it sit for about 10 minutes. It should get slightly frothy and bursting with excitement.
3. Add 8 tablespoons of melted butter and remaining sugar.
4. Add the flour about 1 cup at a time and then add the fine salt.
5. Knead for about 10 minutes with a stand mixer or by hand. Stand mixers are easier, but by hand is a better stress reliever.
6. Put it in a greased bowl and cover with greased cling wrap.
7. Let rise for 1 hour in a moist, warm place until doubled in size.
8. Preheat the oven to 450º.
9. Punch down dough and divide into 12 lumps.
10. Roll the lumps into thin logs.
11. Combine the warm water and baking soda in a wide bowl.
12. Cut the dough into 1 1/2″ pieces, then dip in the baking soda water.
13. Place on a greased baking sheet and sprinkle with coarse salt.
14. Bake for about 6 minutes or until browned.
15. Combine the remaining 4 tablespoons of melted butter and Maple Chipotle Mashup and stir until smooth.
16. Dip each homemade pretzel in the magical melted butter mixture while hot.
17. Return the pretzel bites into the oven for an additional 3-5 minutes until brown and beautiful. Drizzle remaining butter over the bites and top with the coarse salt.
18. Soak in all the glory and praise for creating such an incredible culinary delight!

Let us know how it turned out, we love to see your creations on Instagram #WaywardGourmet and Twitter @WaywardGourmet. Send em to us and we'll post your deliciousness on our site. 

Cheers!