Herb Cheese Pretzels

Ingredients

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/4 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 cup butter
• 4 ounces sharp Cheddar cheese, shredded
• 3 tablespoons cold water

Directions

Mix the flour, parmesan cheese, garlic powder, basil, rosemary, and oregano in a large bowl. Cut butter into small cubes, and add to flour mixture. Use a pastry blender or 2 knives to cut the butter into the flour; continue until mixture resembles fine crumbs. Stir in cheese. Sprinkle water, 1 tablespoon at a time, over the flour mixture; mix lightly until dough is evenly moist and clings together. You may not use all of the water.

Shape dough into a disc, and divide into 12 equal pieces. Wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate until firm.

Preheat an oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C). On a floured surface, roll one piece of dough at a time into an 11 inch long roll. To shape into pretzels: Curve ends of each rope to make a circle; cross ends at top. Twist ends once, and lay over bottom of circle. Place on greased baking sheets. Place pretzels, 2 inches apart, on an ungreased baking sheet.

Bake in preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes, or until golden brown. Cool on wire racks.