Opening Day

This past week, I have talked to you several times about the joys of spring. With the official first day of spring just two short weeks away, I thought I would keep the theme going and talk about the greatest part of spring: Baseball.

Baseball is one of the great past times of our country. Since the 19th century, people have turned out to watch their local nine do battle on open green fields. And for just as long, people have been thinking about the food they want to eat when they watch a game.

Everyone knows about the hot dogs, peanuts and Crackerjacks. But today, going to the ballpark also means Italian sausages, pizza, clam chowder, steak sandwiches and any other food a team can get in a stand and onto a plate--and some stuff that maybe shouldn't be put on a plate. In fact, the new Yankee Stadium has it's own butcher shop!

For my money though, nothing beats a warm, soft pretzel. Put on a little spicy mustard and the snack is complete. A homemade pretzel is a fantastic snack, and you don't have to go to the ballpark to get one.

Baking up golden pretzels is relatively easy too. Even tying the trademark pretzel shape is easier than you think. With a little practice, and you will have a regular cottage industry. If you don't want to make whole pretzels, pretzel bites are good alternative. They're cute and delicious. They are not only great when watching games at home, but they are perfect for taking a snack to Little League games too.

But don't take my word for it, head on over to Betty Crocker to try out our special Ham-Twisted Pretzels with Beer Dip. It is a guaranteed hit the next time the crowd comes over to check out the game.

And as always, we invite you to send in your favorite game time decisions. We look forward to hearing from you!

Betty