Pretzel Pinches
When I recently learned that there was such a day as National Pretzel Day, I searched my file of gift ideas to look for a certain pretzel company to help with this special occasion. My cousin Jay-Jay had sent us a “You Lucked Out” gift pack of pretzels this year for St. Patrick’s Day and it was such a bit hit. For National Pretzel Day, I am using the same company, Eastern Standard Provisions Company. A few days ago, I ordered some thoughtful pinches and I’m hoping that the pretzel gift packs arrive in time to celebrate!
I learned so much about pretzels from nationaldaycalendar.com and as always I like to share this information with you. My hope is that my excitement about pretzels will inspire you to use pinches to find joy in spreading thoughtfulness.
For one, I love when national days are supported with information about the origins of the day. Nationaldaycalendar.com shares that April 26th marks the day in which we celebrate the importance of the pretzel to Pennsylvania’s state history and economy. The first year that the national day was celebrated was in 2003 and it was officially declared by Governor Ed Rendell. Since the first pretzels are known to have been introduced in the 19th century to the US by the Pennsylvania Dutch immigrants, celebrating this day for Pennsylvania makes a lot of sense. “Today, the average Philadelphian consumes about twelve times as many pretzels as the national average.” Also, did you know that “Pennsylvania is the center of American pretzel production for both hard and soft pretzels, producing 80% of the nation’s pretzels.”? Soft pretzels became very popular in areas such as Philadelphia, Chicago and New York in the 20th century. I’m sure that that there is much more information about the role in which pretzels played in Pennsylvania that can be found at the “Pretzel Museum” which has been privately operated in Philadelphia since 1993.
Secondly, I learned that there are many stories about pretzels that involve Christianity:
Monks used pretzels as rewards. The story, according to nationaldaycalendar.com, who quotes The History of Science and Technology, is that “ … in 610 AD, ‘an Italian monk invents pretzels as a reward to children who learn their prayers. He calls the strips of baked dough, folded to resemble arms crossing the chest, pretiola (little rewards).’ “
Another story is that pretzels were invented in a monastery in southern France.
Another story is that a thousand years ago, in monasteries, the looped pretzel resembled a Greek Ring bread.
Catholics used the pretzel’s shape and ingredients to represent some religious significance.
Lastly, I picked up some miscellaneous facts about pretzels that are too interesting to leave out of this post. For example, nationaldaycalenday.com states, “The loops in pretzel may have served a practical purpose: bakers could hang them on sticks, projecting upwards from a central column, as shown in Job Berckheyde’s (1681) painting.” Also, did you know that in the US, the pretzel industry is worth over $550 million annually? Maybe you already knew that hard pretzels originated in the US in 1850 - but I did not know and that’s why I’m sharing.
Now that we have some knowledge about pretzels, what is the next step? Easy! Give some pretzels pinches away on April 26th. Here are a few ideas but I’m sure there are many pretzel items available that would make this national day fun and thoughtful.
#1. Dot’s. Hands down, I have given so many bags of Dot’s to as many people as I can. College care packages are not complete without a bag of these. If you haven’t tried Dot’s, I am afraid to tell you try them because then I may be blamed for starting your newest addiction.
#2. So when I saw these little packets of Dot’s at the store the other day, I thought, “Well this may be ok to hand out. Once the bag is finished, there is no way to eat more than that portion.” OR, the smaller bag could bring more frustration rather than pleasure.
#3. Here is a Dot’s flavor that I haven’t tried yet. My guess is that it’s good but I’m positive the original flavor is more popular for a reason. Again, a small bag is not a big investment so if it’s not that great at least we’re not stuck with a huge bag.
#4. And then of course pretzels and chocolate are a good combo. Sweet, salty and crunchy. If you know someone who likes that combo, I can’t say enough about these chocolate bars. Adding in that Dot’s seasoned taste with the chocolate gives it that unique flavor. So good.
#5. What I love about Trader Joe’s is that the store knows me well. I just figured out that when I buy a bag of the Peanut Butter Filled Pretzel Nuggets, it’s pretty dangerous to start eating one. However, if there was an opportunity to have a portioned sized bag of this combo then I’m all over it. This mini bag says, “ I care about you enough to stop you from making yourself sick.” You’re welcome.
#6. I found these Glutino yogurt covered pretzels years ago when I was avoiding gluten for months. I will say, now that I don’t really watch my gluten in-take, I still prefer these over the gluten loaded yogurt covered pretzels. So if you have a GF buddy - this may be a great pinch to give on National Pretzel Day.
#7. Whenever we go to a mall (which unfortunately for my daughter is not often), one of the most fragrant scents that I smell comes from Auntie Anne’s or Wetzel’s Pretzels. I mean, they must pump the fumes into the mall’s heating/cooling system. The smell of a warm, soft pretzel is so inviting. Pick up a gift card to one of the mall’s pretzel venues if giving someone a pretzel is just not feasible. Gift cards are gold to any age student. Even better, locally owned and operated venues that sell pretzels would appreciate the business.
#8. There is also nothing wrong with giving out bags of pretzels made by Rold Golds, Snyders, Utz, Old Dutch etc. I mean at the grocery store, Target, Wal-Mart, gas stations - you name it, there are so many pretzel companies to choose from! Buy some bags and pass the snack treat out to all who are around you (of course wear a mask and use gloves).
#9. My last suggestion is to think outside the box. Instead of providing the pretzels for National Pretzel day - why not show up with a jar of your favorite mustard? Refer to the first picture in this post. Notice the jar of “hot truffle sauce” - that jar alone would have been a complete gift. The sauce is uniquely delicious. Or splurge on some expensive salt. And you certainly can’t go wrong by showing up with some cheese dipping sauce (unless they are lactose intolerant or vegan).
So I bring up all of these pretzel themed gifts because they are festive. However, the last thing I want to do is get people all “twisted” up about giving anything to anyone. There is no pressure EXCEPT to observe this national day. I’m merely suggesting to those who are in the market for joy, that by using national days like this to show thoughtfulness, it can be fun for all who are involved.
Pinches,
Barb