Happy National Pretzel Day!

04/26/2026

Happy National Pretzel Day! Here's a short and sweet bonus post for you.

Greetings from The Salted Knot in Mesa, Arizona.

Kenny and Sarah Love wanted to wish you happy tastings and tidings on this special day celebrating our favorite salted snack. Although this blog started off as a joke and Simpsons' reference, it has evolved into a full-time hobby which we thoroughly enjoy.

Today we visited one of the most spectacular (if not the only) local pretzel bakery in the area, The Salted Knot. Their selection of breaded baked treats is nothing short of exemplarily. The menu ranges from sweet to savory pleasing every taste and desire imaginable. Patrons can choose from the classic "Butter and Salted Knot" or if they're feeling a bit more adventurous, maybe the "Garlic Parmesan Knot" or "Jalapeño Cheddar Knot". And if it is something sweet you're craving, the "Sweet Knot" covered with cinnamon sugar does not disappoint.

On this most auspicious of occasions, National Pretzel Day, Sarah Love and Kenny received a free "Butter and Salted Knot" pretzel with their purchase of the "Pretzel Dog" and "Pepperoni Pizza Knot". They were all equally mouthwatering!

Unfortunately, this will be our last visit to this much esteemed pretzel bakery as they are closing their doors permanently on May 31st, 2026. The amazing couple that run this establishment are moving in a new direction to explore other creative facets. Their pretzel shop will be dearly missed. If you have a chance to visit before they say goodbye we do highly recommend stopping by for a final delicious treat.

Sincerely,

Kenny Muzzey & Sarah Love

Hundred Mile Brewing Company -- Tempe, AZ

Hundred Mile Brewing Company - Tempe, AZ The pretzel’s history is obscure but we did our research and have compiled some of the information we have found for you. The German word ‘Brezel’ translates to pretzel, our delicious subject in question. The treat is originally thought to come from Germany, though there is an argument that pretzels first started elsewhere. Like many things of old, the pretzel has been tied to religious roots. Church monks may have first started baking these treats in Italy in the early 7th century. The pretzels could have been used as a reward for astute students who learned their prayers. They were also a perfect alternative meal during Lent. And the most interesting link to a religious idea is that the three holes in the pretzel symbolize the Holy Trinity. Regardless of where the pretzel first was born, the Germans were the ones responsible for bringing it to America. Around 1710, German immigrants brought the pretzels to Pennsylvania at the delight of the colonists. Lititz, Pennsylvania was where the first commercial pretzel bakery was founded in the 1860s. 80% of pretzels produced in the United States still come from PA today! Pretzels are so well loved the Pennsylvania governor instituted a National Pretzel Day every April 26th, as of 2003. The last pretzel tidbit we’d like to share is that Sarah Love adores the Switzerland custom of ‘tying the knot’ using a pretzel during wedding ceremonies (similar to that of a wishbone) to seal the bond of matrimony. Wouldn’t a pretzel tasting be fun at a wedding, too!?!
09/17/2023 Hundred Mile Brewing Company.

As Sarah Love and Kenny sat at the bar, we were excited to taste the pretzel we ordered. It came out glistening like it was dipped in butter. Which in fact it must have been since our taste buds registered it as too buttery. The three long skinny sticks were perfectly brown and had just enough salt to taste. Biting into the snack we were pleasantly surprised to find a moist texture that didn't disappoint. The accoutrements, beer cheese and whole grain mustard, were a nice addition. The most notable part was the side of sliced pickles - Kenny's favorite! 3.0/5.0 Sincerely,

Kenny Muzzey & Sarah Love

Angel's Trumpet Ale House – Phoenix, AZ

Happy belated National Pretzel Day! On April 26th, this past Friday afternoon, a spirited conversation occurred when Kenny discovered the pretzel has an official appreciation day. Everything was discussed, from the best type of pretzel, to the tastiest brands, everyone’s favorite fixings, and much more.

This is our first official pretzel review; therefore, please consider this posting our rough draft. We recognize the learning curve from this first post to where we are today and appreciate your patience with us.

There is a method to our madness...

January 30th, 2022

Angel's Trumpet Ale House – Phoenix, AZ

Unfortunately, it escaped our foresight to capture a snapshot of the baked treats… So, full disclosure, we’re going in blind. We have now realized how integral snapshots are to the rating process.  

Due to lack of photographic evidence this post may seem a little dry...  similar to the texture inside of the Angel's Trumpet Ale House’s pretzels. However, the dryness of the pretzels complemented the flaky, golden brown, croissant-like crust. The pretzel salt ratio was well balanced. These baked pretzels were shaped as medium logs about biscuit size.

"Similar to a tiny loaf of bread." ~ Kenny Muzzey

On to the accoutrements... the smooth and creamy cheese sauce had a tiny amount of spice without the heat which was served alongside the horseradish mustard.

4.0/5.0

* Let it be known we are planning on going back to this location to perform an updated review and compare and contrast the data with this post's information. As well as include visuals for point of reference.

The method to our madness? *Behind the scenes* Note taking, and recently learned, food photography. 

"Of sorts… I always tell people I am not a food photographer." ~Kenny Muzzey

Angel's Trumpet Ale House is definitely worth visiting. We do recommend it! Plus, the beer menu is wonderful!

Feel free to leave any comments, recommendations, or your own pretzel reviews below.

Sincerely,

Kenny Muzzey & Sarah Love