Stinky Pretzels

        My oldest son graduated with a degree in broadcast journalism.  His first love was radio and his dream to work in it came true for a while when he was able to work for a local radio station, Mix 96. While there, one of the radio pesonalities he worked for was Jan D'Atri. She is a pretty well known radio personality here in the Phoenix area. You can find her on KFYI now. She is a lifestyle specialist, crafter, cook, radio show host, TV show host and producer.  My son was able to help produce remote segments that she was the host of that also included her mother and some of her recipes.  Since my son loves to cook, he really enjoyed these segments and he often brought home the recipes that they shared on the show.  That is where today's recipe comes from.  I checked out Jan's website to see if the recipe was included on it, and I found it here!.  I also to have the copy that my son came home with so that I can share it with you in a printable form here as well.
             These pretzels are addictive! They make great gifts, if you can save any for that, because once you start eating them it is impossible to stop.  They are called stinky because they have ingredients like lemon pepper and garlic that will give you really bad breath.  (There is a warning about that on the recipe!)  Stinky Pretzels are easy to make and your friends and family will request them year after year.  During the holidays, they are a nice break from all of the sweets!

Stinky Pretzels

     Here are a few additional tips on making them:

Besides the two bags of pretzels, here are the other ingredients you need. It is very important to only use the Orville Redenbacher brand of popcorn oil. No other kind will work for this.

I used sticks this time for the recipe. On Jan's site you will see it done with twists.

After you mix all of the ingredients together, stir it about every 15 min.

Cover the bowl in between stirring.

After an hour or so of stirring, I line cookie sheets with paper towels and then pour the pretzels over them to drain for a little while.

Finally, package them up for eating later, or to give as gifts. Oh, and that cute print in the background is from Ishouldbemoppingthefloor.com

      Because of the popcorn oil, these can be a little pricey to make.  That is why they are a seasonal recipe for us.  Stinky Pretzels are something that we look forward to each year. Thanks Jan! My son has moved on to Law School now, but he has good memories of these segments and made sure I knew who to give credit to for this fabulous recipe! 

       Click on the picture above to find lots of really cute cello bags from Oriental Trading to pack your pretzels and other treats in!

       You can stock-up on a 6 pack of oil to always have some on had just the case you get the urge for some Stinky Pretzels.