Lynn’s husband Abe, the pretzel connoisseur, is doing a review on these goodies that Uncle Jerry’s sent us to sample.
A lot of people don’t know it, but Pennsylvania is the home of great pretzels. For some reason people refer to New York soft pretzels as being iconic, but I’ve lived in both places and let me tell you, New York pretzels are really awful. While it takes a back seat to the cheesesteak and hoagies, my favorite Philly delicacy was always the soft pretzel. I’m no food historian, but I think that pretzels originated in Bavaria and the tradition is carried on by the Pennsylvania Dutch (who are actually Germans, despite the confusing name). All of this is a long winded way of introducing these Uncle Jerry’s Handmade Hard Pretzels.
These remind me of trips to Pennsylvania Dutch country as a kid; they have a great crunch and a simple taste. Definitely a Lynn and Christy-approved ingredient list – simple, with no added oil, sugar, or preservatives.
They are thick, with a darkly baked edge and just enough salt. Basically “Rold Gold” is to “Uncle Jerry’s” as “Miller Lite” is to a really great microbrew. These pretzels have character and go really well with a fresh bottle of my other Actor’s Diet favorite, Sodastream seltzer.
{ 13 comments… read them below or add one }
I’m a BIG fan of Uncle Jerry’s Pretzels. A special favorite is the whole wheat variety–they’re just a tad…grainier? It’s hard to describe, but they’re really hearty with a nice crunch and a generous helping of salt. Yummy!
Mmmm I want some Uncle Jerry’s! Crunchy and salty? Delicious!
Those look great! I’ve only driven through Pennsylvania Dutch country a few times, but I remember the food fondly.
I love the brew comparison – totally makes sense to me!! Those pretzels sound great!
I love hard pretzels….they rock!
I haven’t had those big pretzels in who knows how long. I can remember how good they are though! I’ll be looking for them on my next trip to PA
Those pretzels sound good and look yummy. I’ve got a weakness for salty snacks. Gotsa gets me some pretzels now
Salty snacks are my weakness! These look so good
Hi Abe! I’m not much of a pretzel fan, but if I come across these I’ll try them since they’re expert-approved
These look really good! Im totally a salty snack kind of person, and even though I say I dont like pretzels, if you put them in front of me I’ll totally eat every last one!
Great review Abe. Nice to meet you! You have an amazing wife, seriously. Her posts are great – sometimes serious, sometimes not. I like to see people being so positive and living life. So, I like you guys
I happen to love Uncle Jerry’s pretzels too. I guess because I live in Philly, our local convenience store stocks so many varieties of Uncle Jerry’s pretzels that it could turn your brain into a pretzel! Even the packaging looks good. The whole wheat ones make it a health food!!!!!
Thanks for the review, Abe! I’ve never seen such hardy pretzels before…it looks lovely and crunchy!