Poem Friday

'Twas the night before Friday and all through the kitchen
Things were a mess, and this chef started bitchin'.

The workday was long and we were both feeling stressed
A personal chef would have made us feel blessed.

With quick-rising bread dough causing a fight
The entree had nary a vegetable in sight.

When what to my wondering eyes should appear
but my husband to aid me with an ice cold beer.

Now Kitchen Aid!  Now mixer!  Now boiling and kneading!
On oven!  On broiler!  On dishware then feeding!

With egg wash and sea salt this meal became saved
I truly was proud of the creation I made

We sprang to the table and started to chow
Another great dinner- no wonder, no how.

We wrapped up the leftovers out of our sight
Happy dinner to all, and to all a good night!

Homemade Pretzel Dogs
4 1/2 cups bread flour
1/4 cup butter, melted
1 can light beer
1 egg
2/3 cup baking soda
8 turkey hot dogs
Sea salt
3 teaspoons yeast
1 Tablespoon sugar

1. Heat the beer in a small saucepan to 110 degrees.  Pour in a bowl.  Add sugar and yeast.  Let sit for 5 minutes, or until yeast becomes foamy.
2. Meanwhile combine the flour, butter, and 3 teaspoons salt.  Add yeast/beer mix.  Stir until combined, but try not to over-stir.
3. Coat a large bowl with some cooking spray; add dough.  Cover with a towel and set in a warm place (I placed mine under a bright light).  Let rise for 30 minutes.  Knead dough for 30 seconds- punching down the air, folding it in on itself, etc.
4. Let rise for 30 more minutes.  Meanwhile, make sure your hotdogs are pre-cooked.  If not, boil them or microwave them.
5. Heat 10 cups of water + 2/3 cup baking soda in a large stockpot.  Heat your oven to 450 degrees.
6. Roll out the dough into a large rectangle.  Cut dough into 8 strips (I had a little bit leftover so I made 2 pretzels).  Wrap one strip of dough around each hot dog, making sure the ends are poking out a bit.
7. Drop hot dogs, 2-3 at a time, into boiling water for 30 seconds.  Remove and place on a baking sheet.  Repeat until you've boiled all the hot dogs.
8. Brush with the egg yolk and sprinkle some sea salt on each.
9. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until deep golden brown.

 Per dog: 270 calories, 27 g carbs, 14 g fat, 10 g protein.

Clement C. Moore wishes he had these to rhyme about.  And yes, I forced it with "saved" and "made."