An Age Old Question: Hard or Soft???

As Lent is fast approaching, I find myself thinking about pretzels.  (I am also a religion and history nerd so please bear with me as I bore you with the religious history of this delectable snack...)  During Lent in the 600's, an Italian monk used leftover dough to make "pretiola" or "little rewards".  He shaped them to resemble children's arms while praying and gave them as a reward to those who remembered to do so.  We have this monk to thank for the wonder of soft, delicious pretzels the world has enjoyed ever since.

It wasn't until the late 1800's that hard pretzels emerged, which brings me to the question, "Do you prefer soft pretzels or hard pretzels?".  Pretzels are a really underrated snack.  I never really think about them, but the moment that smell comes wafting up from the pretzel shop in the mall and hits my nose, I'm in Heaven!  These are soft pretzels, leading me to believe I am a soft pretzel kind of gal.  Yet, is there anything more delicious than a white chocolate covered hard pretzel?  Therefore, hard pretzels, right?

Recently I found an amazing snack in the freezer section of the grocery store.  A company called Kim and Scott's Gourmet Pretzels has a line of STUFFED pretzels.  I bought the spinach and feta version and had one with a small salad for lunch.  Delicious!  They have a variety of other flavors, both savory and sweet, and I will definitely be trying more of their line very soon.  I visited their website to find out more about their company.  Not only do they use all natural ingredients, but they have gluten free versions and are involved in charities, such as raising money for schools.  Check out the website if you get a chance!

www.kimandscotts.com

I was back to daydreaming about soft pretzels again when I remembered a pretzel brand, Snyder's of Hanover.  Their flavored hard pretzels are (in my opinion) some of the best you can find.  I am partial to the honey mustard and onion flavored pretzels, but my husband recently bought the spicy buffalo version and that was delicious, too!  Their pretzel rods are also really great for dipping in chocolate and serving at parties.

Alas, can one love hard and soft pretzels equally?  I do believe so.