Smoked Ham, Mozzarella snd Provolone Pretzel Bites

1. Combine the yeast, brown sugar and water in a mixing bowl. Allow the mixture to rest 5 minutes.
2. Add two cups of flour and mix using your mixer fitted with the dough beater.
3. Mix in olive oil and salt. Continue to mix in flour until a nice ball forms.
4. Turn out onto a lightly floured surface and knead till no longer sticky. Add more flour if needed.
5. Brush a large bowl with a bit of olive oil, place dough inside and cover with a kitchen towel. Let it rise 2 hours.
6. When done rising, turn dough out onto a floured surface and divide into four pieces.
7. Roll one piece of dough into a rectangle shape.
8. Along one long side of the rectangle, make a line with 2 ounces of ham and next to that sprinkle a row with 2 ounces of cheese.
9. Grab the side closest to the ham and roll tightly towards the other side. Roll it really tight. Stretch and pull the dough as you go.
10. Cut the log into 12 slices and place slices on a cookie sheet that you’ve lined with parchment paper.
11. Repeat with the 3 remaining pieces of dough and the remaining filling ingredients. Then allow the slices to rest 30 minutes.
12. Preheat oven to 400 F. Heat a pot of water to a boil and add baking soda. Reduce to a simmer.
13. In batches drop the slices into water for 20-30 seconds. Using a slotted spoon pull the slices out and place back onto the prepared cookie sheet.
14. In a small dish, beat egg yolk and water. When done, brush all of the slices with egg and water mixture.
15. Bake for 15 minutes or until golden brown. Cool and ENJOY!

*Note: Wonder what happens to the filling when you drop it into the boiling water? Me too! If dough is rolled into a log really tightly, you will see just some of the cheese showing. You will have a little fall out into the water. The boiling water does its job. It puffs the dough right up and nothing spills out.

Recipe adapted from: penniesonaplatter.com.