Arabic Pretzels (Baqsam)

Description: Very well known Pretzels in Arabic countries. We call it Baqsam .. it's a dry biscuit with sesame, nice as a snack with afternoon tea.

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons active dry yeast
• 1 3/4 cups warm water
• 4 cups bread flour
• 1/4 cup powdered milk
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 tablespoon anise seed or 1 tablespoon cumin
• 1 cup sesame

Steps:

1. Dissolve yeast in warm water + sugar.
2. Mix the dry ingredients, milk powder + flour + (aniseed or the cumin).
3. Mix all together and knead for 10 minutes.
4. Cover and let rise until double for around 30 minutes.
5. Punch down.
6. Roll the dough into rectangle 10 x 20 cm and cut into 3 cm strings.
7. Fold the string and role gently with hand in sesame, shape it the way you like or leave as sticks.
8. Place on greased cookie sheet, cover and allow to rise for 10 minutes.
9. Bake at 400°F for 20 minutes. Reduce to 120°F for another 10 minutes to let it dry if desired.