Ham Twisted Pretzels With Beer Dip Food

HAM-AND-SWISS PRETZELS

Steps:

• Mix 1 1/2 cups warm water (110 degrees F to 115 degrees F), the yeast and agave in a bowl. Set aside 5 minutes.
• In a food processor fitted with the dough blade, pulse the whole-wheat flour, 2 cups all-purpose flour and the sea salt. Add 1 egg and the yeast mixture and pulse in 10-second intervals until the dough comes together, about 3 pulses. Turn out onto a floured board. Knead 10 to 12 times, adding up to 3/4 cup more flour if the dough is too sticky. Cut the dough into 4 equal portions; cover with a clean towel.
• On a floured board, roll out one piece of dough into a 14-by-11-inch rectangle, 1/4 inch thick, with a shorter side facing you. Spread 1 tablespoon mustard across the middle of the dough. Sprinkle with 1/4 cup Swiss cheese. Fold the bottom third of the dough over the cheese, then sprinkle another 1/4 cup Swiss cheese, 1/3 cup ham and 2 tablespoons chives over the folded part. Fold the top third of the dough over the cheese, ham and chives. Reroll the dough into a 14-by-11-inch rectangle. Cut into seven 11-by-2-inch strips.
• One at a time, pinch the cut long edges of each strip together and roll into a 12-inch rope with your hands. Transfer the rope to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Grab the ends and bring them toward each other, forming a U shape, then cross the left end over the right end to make a pretzel shape. Cross the left end over the right again to make a twist in the middle.
• Repeat with the remaining 3 pieces of dough and the remaining mustard, cheese, ham and chives, spacing the pretzels 3 inches apart. Set aside for 10 to 15 minutes; preheat the oven to 475 degrees F.
• Beat the remaining egg in a bowl. Brush the pretzels with the egg; sprinkle with smoked sea salt. Bake until browned, 16 to 18 minutes, checking on the pretzels every 5 minutes to avoid overbaking.

HAM-TWISTED PRETZELS WITH BEER DIP

Steps:

• Heat oven to 375°F Grease large cookie sheet with shortening or spray with cooking spray. Unroll breadstick dough; separate into 12 breadsticks. Cut each breadstick lengthwise in half.
• On work surface, roll each piece of dough into 9-inch rope. Cut each slice of ham into 4 equal strips. Wrap 2 pieces ham around each rope (in a candy cane pattern). Tie each rope into a loose knot. Place on cookie sheet. Brush with egg. Sprinkle lightly with salt.
• Bake 10 to 13 minutes or until light golden brown on top and golden brown on bottom.
• Meanwhile, in small microwavable bowl, beat cream cheese, beer and mayonnaise with electric mixer on low speed until smooth. Stir in cheese blend. Microwave uncovered on High 1 to 2 minutes, stirring once, until heated through. Serve dip with pretzels.