German New Year's Pretzel (Grosse Neujahrs-Breze)
A traditional German New Year's pretzel, Grosse Neujahrs-Breze, baked to bring good fortune for the upcoming year.
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Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 350F.
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Proof yeast in 250ml warm milk with a pinch of sugar for 15 minutes until foamy.
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Combine the proofed yeast, 1 whole egg, butter, salt, 1/3 cup sugar, and lemon zest with flour, then work into a medium-stiff dough.
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Knead the dough until smooth, form into a ball, place in an oiled bowl, cover, and let rise for 15 minutes.
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Flour a work surface and divide the dough into 3 equal pieces.
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Roll each piece into a 1-foot cylinder, then lengthen by rolling from the middle outwards to create three 3-foot strands with thinner ends; rest dough if it resists.
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Braid the three strands, starting from the middle and pinching the ends. Insert foil-wrapped coins between the strands.
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Form into a pretzel shape and place on a parchment-lined cookie sheet; cover.
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Beat egg yolk with 3 tablespoons water for an egg wash; brush over the pretzel.
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Bake for 30-40 minutes. Cool completely on a wire rack.
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If serving immediately, sprinkle with sugar; otherwise, do not.