“Life is a good teacher and a good friend. Things are always in transition if we could only realize it. Nothing ever sums itself up in the way that we would like to dream about. The off-center, in between state is an ideal situation, a situation in which we don’t get caught, and in which we can open our hearts and minds beyond limit.

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Everything is material for the seed of happiness, if you look into it with inquisitiveness and curiosity. The future is completely open, and we are writing it moment to moment. There is always potential to create an environment of blame…or one that is conducive to loving-kindness.

-Pema Chodron

Cheezy Jalapeno Soft Pretzels Recipe

Gluten, egg, and dairy-free

Makes 6 pretzels

INGREDIENTS

Add in:

  • Vegan cheese
  • 1/4 c diced jalapenos, canned

DIRECTIONS:

  1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
  2. Warm water in medium-sized microwave safe bowl until it reaches 110 degrees on your food thermometer.
  3. Add yeast and allow to sit for 5 minutes until it gets frothy.
  4. Add brown sugar, flaxseed “egg” and vegan butter and mix.
  5. Slowly add flour into the bowl and mix until a soft dough forms. It should not stick to your hands when touched. If so, add more flour by 1/4 c.
  6. Divide dough into 6 balls and allow to sit and rise in a warm area of your kitchen for 20 minutes.
  7. Take each ball of dough and gently roll into a snake-like string of dough on a piece of parchment paper. This needs to be done gently and if it falls apart, it’s most likely because you need a little more flour. So lightly flour your hands as you deal with each ball of dough, gently rubbing your hands together. Place on the parchment paper and continue to do this on the counter, rolling the dough, until you have a long string of dough (approx 12″ long). Form into a pretzel knot.
  • 3 c. boiling water
  • 1/2 c. baking soda
  1. Boil 3 cups of water in a pot. Add baking soda. Drop pretzel into boiling water individually with a slotted metal spoon. Allow to sit for 30 seconds. Remove and place on a greased baking sheet. Do this for all pretzels.
  2. Bake for 10 minutes or until lightly browned.