Beer and pretzels
I suppose it was preordained that would eventually become a beer lover, because from early childhood I have been a lover of pretzels. For some reason, beer and pretzels simply go together. There are some crazy theories, but it seems pretty simple to me - pretzels are salty and delicious, making one thirsty for something else delicious, and beer fits that bill.
Unfortunately, I’m sitting here in the state which manufactures 80% of the US’s total pretzel supply and which has a long history of pretzel baking, but my pantry has only the most mediocre of pretzels. Ok, not the most mediocre of pretzels, that honor would go to Rold Gold and others of that ilk, but I don’t have the pretzels I really need to go with my Augustiner Edelstoff.
Fortunately, these days you of you outside of Pennsylvania can also order great pretzels. My recommendation starts with Martin’s Pretzels of Akron PA (which, strangely enough, is apparently also available in New York City, go figure). I have to say, though, that the online prices are a bit excessive. I’ll simply have to make it back out to Shady Maple and buy me another three pound bag. Unfortunately, that won’t last long.
My father has settled on another alternative, Uncle Henry’s from a small location up near Adamstown, PA (close to Stoudt’s brewery, if you want to kill two birds with one stone). Uncle Henry’s also makes a fine pretzel, and it’s cheaper mail order. You hear that, Martin’s people? Maybe too many New Yorkers ordering, but the rest of us won’t necessarily pay those prices if we don’t have to!
If you have to settle for a supermarket pretzel, look for Utz or Wege. They’re both good, solid pretzels, and in a pinch Snyder’s of Hanover will do as well.
If you haven’t tried a hand-twisted pretzel you really are missing something - give Martin’s or Uncle Henry’s a shot. Here’s a hint for you - the dark (also called burnt, see the picture) pretzels go great with a beer or, if you’re in the mood for dessert, a bowl of former Philadelphia favorite Breyer’s vanilla ice cream.
Now I really need a pretzel …
image from Uncle Henry’s
Tags: adamstown_pa, akron_pa, augustiner, beer, beer_lover, hanover, new_yorkers, pantry, pretzels, shady_maple, uncle_henry, utzRelated Stories
POSTED IN: Food
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