PEPPERONI PRETZELS

1 loaf Bridgford Frozen Bread Dough, thawed
1/4 cup Bridgford Pepperoni, finely chopped
1/4 cup melted butter or margarine
1 cup shredded Mozzarella cheese (optional)
Pizza sauce (optional, for serving)

Lightly grease large baking sheet(s).

Place thawed loaf into a food processor fitted with blade. Add Bridgford Pepperoni. Process with blade for 10-15 seconds in pulse mode. Process just enough to knead the pepperoni evenly into dough. (If you do not have a food processor, let the dough rise until puffy, then knead the pepperoni into the dough).

On a lightly floured surface, reform dough into a log shape. Roll dough lengthwise into a 15 x 5-inch rectangle. Cut dough into 8 equal long strips.

Take a 15-inch dough piece and roll between the palms of your hands to a 20-inch long rope. Shape each rope into a "U" shape and place on prepared pan. Take the right end of the rope and place it over the bottom left hand corner of the "U". Repeat with the left side.

Brush dough with melted butter or margarine. If desired, sprinkle each pretzel with 2 tablespoons cheese.

Bake in a preheated 375 degree F oven for 14-16 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from oven and pan to wire rack.

Serve warm. If desired, serve with pizza sauce for dipping.

Makes 8 pretzels
Source: Bridgford Food Corp.