The pretzel is a favorite Lenten snack which is easy to make and helps to keep active children occupied as they await Easter. Did you know that the pretzel has a long history? It goes all the way back to the fifth century Romans. After the legalization of Christianity in 313 A.D. with the conversion of Constantine, Lent became a regular practice. Prayer, fasting and alms giving were the norm. Roman bakers concocted bread in the shape of arms crossed in prayer. It was made from flour, salt, and water, a simple bread for a sacrificial season. They named the bread "little arms."Viva the pretzel! The shape was a reminder to the Romans and to us that Lent is a season of prayer and simple foods. When the corona virus lifts, and things get back to normal, take a trip to the Vatican Library to see a picture of the oldest known pretzel dating from the fifth century!
EASY RECIPE FOR PRETZELS
Shape refrigerated bread stick dough to form the shape of the praying arms. Mix an egg yolk and 1 1/2 tablespoon of milk. Blend well and brush each pretzel with it. Sprinkle coarse salt on the top of each pretzel and bake according to the directions on the package. Viola! You have an easy, tasty treat and the children can learn a little bit about the history of Lenten practices sixteen hundred years ago and the creativity of Roman bakers.
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