Cranberry Breakfast Pretzels

I found this recipe in my Light & Tasty magazine several years ago. It is our family's favorite and has become one of our little Thanksgiving traditions the girls expect me to make each year now. I make them the day before. I guess they could be made several days before, just hide them if you plan on saving them for Thanksgiving morning 'cause they will disappear quick!

Cranberry Breakfast Pretzels

3/4 cup dried cranberries
1/3 cup unsweetened applesauce
2 tablespoons sugar, divided
1 package (1/4 ounce) active dry yeast
1 cup warm milk (110° to 115°)
3 tablespoons canola oil
1-1/2 teaspoons salt
3-1/2 to 4 cups all-purpose flour
2 quarts water
TOPPING:
1 egg white, beaten
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 tablespoon sugar
Honey or cream cheese, optional

Directions:

In a food processor or blender, place the dried cranberries, applesauce and 1 tablespoon sugar; cover and process until finely chopped. Set aside. In a mixing bowl, dissolve yeast in warm milk. Add the remaining sugar; let stand for 5 minutes. Add the cranberry mixture, oil, salt and enough flour to form a soft dough. Turn onto a lightly floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, about 6-8 minutes. Place in a bowl coated with cooking spray, turning once to coat the top. Cover and let rise ion a warm place until doubled, about 1-1/2 hours. Punch dough down. Turn onto a floured surface. Divide dough into 15 balls. Roll each ball into a 14-in. rope and form into a pretzel shape. In a large saucepan, bring water to a boil. Drop pretzels, one at a time into water; boil for 10 seconds on each side. Remove with a slotted spoon; drain on paper towels. Place pretzels on baking sheets coated with cooking spray. Cover and let rise in a warm place until puffy, about 25 minutes. Brush with egg white. Combine cinnamon and sugar; sprinkle over tops. Bake at 375° for 12-14 minutes or until golden brown. Serve with honey or cream cheese if desired. Yield: 15 servings.

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Head over to Kelli's to join in her 2nd annual 'Giving Thanks'. It's Nov. 17-20, Mon.-Thurs. "Everyone who participates and signs the daily Mr. Linky will be entered into a giveaway at the end of the week! Each day you participate, your name will be entered. The prizes will be collection of gifts for you and your home, to welcome in the Christmas season."

It's All GIVING THANKS Good!