Shortening or cooking spray
1 1/2 c. flour (try 1 c. all-purpose and 1/2 c. whole wheat)
1 1/2 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. sugar
1/4 tsp. salt
2/3 c. milk
2 tbsp. butter, softened
1 egg
Sesame seeds, poppy seeds, celery seeds, coarse salt, or herbs of your choice)

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Lightly grease a cookie sheet with the shortening or cooking spray. Put the flour, baking powder, sugar and salt in a large bowl. Stir until it is well mixed. Add the milk and the softened butter. Stir to form a soft dough. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface about 40 times until the dough is soft and smooth.

Break off small pieces of dough about the size of ping-pong balls. Sprinkle your hands with a little extra flour and roll each piece of dough between your hands or on the lightly floured surface. Make each piece into a pencil-thin rope about 5 inches long. Shape the dough into letters to form your initials. Can also make traditional crossed arms shapes for Easter. Makes 16 (2 inch) pretzels.