Lenten Activities
Pretzels???
Did you know that pretzels are a symbol for Lent? The word Pretzel is derived from a German word that means “little arms.” The twisted shape of pretzels is meant to resemble two arms crossed in prayer.
Pretzels are made from flour, water, and salt, which are simple ingredients that fit with the Lenten theme of fasting. The simplicity of the ingredients and recipe for pretzels emphasizes commitment and attention, which are important during Lent.
During the Middle Ages, monks gave pretzels to the poor as a religious symbol and form of sustenance. Christians in the seventh century followed strict rules about what they could eat during the season of Lent. Meat, dairy, fats, and eggs were all off-limits from Ash Wednesday through Easter. Pretzels could be made with inexpensive ingredients that followed the Lent fasting practices of the time.
Why not bake some pretzels together as a family, and contemplate the history and significance of these yummy treats?
Baked Soft Pretzel Recipe
Sources: This recipe is adapted from homemade pretzel recipes by Alton Brown and Tasty.
Ingredients
1 ½ cups hot water
1 tablespoon sugar
1 tablespoon kosher salt
1 package active dry yeast
4 tablespoons (½ stick) unsalted butter, melted
4 ½ cups flour (22 ounces)
10 cups water
⅔ cup baking soda
1 egg, beaten and mixed with 1 tablespoon of water
Instructions
- Mix the water, sugar, salt, and yeast together in a large bowl. Let the mixture sit for five minutes, until the yeast starts to bloom (it should look like a layer of foam on the surface of the water).
- Add in the butter and flour, and mix until the dough is smooth like satin.
- Cover the bowl and let it sit until the dough is doubled in size, about 1 hour.
- Preheat your oven to 450 degrees F and spray baking sheets with oil.
- Boil water with baking soda in a large saucepan.
- Divide the dough into eight pieces. Shape each piece of dough into a 24-inch rope and then twist it into pretzel shape.
- Dip each pretzel in the boiling water for 30 seconds on each side before placing it on the sheet pan.
- Brush the pretzels with egg wash and sprinkle them with salt.
- Bake for 12-14 minutes.
Lent pretzel prayer
Dear God, we ask you to bless these pretzels which we are about to eat. Each time we eat them may we be reminded that this is the season of Lent, a time of prayer. Help us to remember to pray for those who need our prayers each day. Keep your loving arms around us, O God, to protect us. In Jesus’s name, Amen.
As we progress through the season of Lent, use this calendar to pray, reflect and count down the days until Holy Week and Easter.
Here’s a children’s prayer for Lent to fill in and color:
More resources coming soon!