Neujahrspretzel (New Year's Pretzels)

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Title: Neujahrspretzel (New Year's Pretzels)
Categories: German, Holiday, Special
Yield: 2 servings

2 c Milk
2 pk Yeast; Active, Dry
1/2 c Sugar
2 ea Eggs; Large
1 x ;Water
1/4 c Almonds; Chopped
1/2 c Butter Or Margarine
2 t Salt
7 c Flour; Unbleached
1 c Confectioners' Sugar
1 t Vanilla Extract

Heat milk and butter until very warm (120-130 degrees F.). Mix yeast,
salt, sugar, and 1 cup flour. Slowly beat into warm milk. Beat for 2
minutes. Add eggs and 1 cup of flour. Beat for an additional 2
minutes. Add enough flour to form a soft dough. Knead until smooth
and elastic, about 5 minutes. Place dough in a greased bowl. Let
rise in a warm place until doubled in bulk, about 1 hour. Punch
dough down and let rise again until doubled. (1 hour more). Divide
dough in half. Shape pretzel as follows: Roll dough into a rope
about 30 inches long and 1 1/2 inches in diameter. Cross the ends
leaving a large loop in the center. Flip loop back onto crossed ends
to form a pretzel. Repeat with remaining dough. Place pretzels on
greased baking sheets. Let rise 15 minutes more. Bake at 375
degrees F for 25 to 30 minutes or until golden brown. Cool on wire
racks. Mix confectioners' sugar, water and vanilla to form a thin
icing. Spread icing on pretzels and sprinkle with chopped almonds.
Makes 2 large pretzels.

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