Celebrate National Snack Food Month with something salty and delicious. For me, while serving up fresh crostini with some Tomatoes Roma, I included nibbles on the side thanks to our friend, Marti Williams, who introduced us to these addictive little gems. We’re glad she did!
And I LOVE her tip to choose thin “styx” type pretzels or square waffle ones or mini pretzel twists… whatever sort provides the most surface area to hold all the yummy seasonings. Thanks, Marti!
Marti’s Marvelous Pretzels
¾ – 1 c vegetable oil (or canola or olive or a combo)
1 pkg (1-oz) dry ranch dressing mix (2 T)
½ tsp dry dill weed (or more, as you prefer)
¼ tsp lemon pepper
Pinch cayenne pepper, optional
1 lb pretzels (1 or combo of 2 types)
Whisk all ingredients except the pretzels together in a bowl. Pour over pretzels in a very large, heavy-duty, zip-top plastic bag, turning to coat the pretzels thoroughly. Turn the bag again and again, several times for 5 hours. (During this time, you may add more dry ranch dressing and dill as desired.) Store airtight at room temperature, but do not expect them to last long. (I can’t figure it out; they seem to simply evaporate.)
KISS Tips: Marti told me that she often uses a big 2.5-gallon-sized bag and makes 2 lbs of pretzels at a time. You can also let them marinate 1 hour, turning occasionally; then spread on baking sheets and bake at 250°F for 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes. Let them cool completely before serving.
And in my usual, “I-Can’t-Help-Myself Style,” here are some fun twists: Add ¼ tsp lemon pepper and a pinch of cayenne pepper. Or turn them into Buffalo-Style Pretzels by replacing dill weed with 1-2 tsp celery seed; use ¼ c oil, ¼ c melted butter, and ½ c Frank’s Red-Hot Sauce. (These are great baked; and served with ranch or blue cheese dressing on the side for dipping.) Or try Onion Pretzels by replacing the dry ranch, dill, lemon, and cayenne with dry onion soup mix.
