Pretzel Bites

Ingredients: 

• 1 Tbsp. vegetable shortening
• 1-1/3 cup hot water {As hot as you can get it out of the tap, without boiling it.}
• 1 pkg (2-1/4 tsp.) yeast
• 1 Tbsp. granulated sugar
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 3-1/4 cup flour
• 3 Tbsp. salted butter
• 2 Tbsp. coarse salt

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Grease a baking sheet with the shortening.
3. In a small bowl, add the yeast to your water and let sit for five minutes, until foamy.
4. Add sugar and salt to yeast and stir well.
5. Combine yeast mixture and 3 cups flour until completely mixed. {At this point, it may still be a little sticky. That's just fine.}
6. Knead in the extra 1/4 cup of flour until your dough is smooth and elastic.
7. Rip the dough and form one inch balls.
8. Melt your butter in a small bowl and roll the dough balls in it. {Lather 'em up nice and good!}
9. Sprinkle with salt.
10. Bake for 9-11 minutes.
11. Eat warm and enjoy