A well-done, perfectly doughy soft pretzel is a gorgeous thing—a golden brown, chewy exterior that, with a few giant bites, premieres a deliciously-concocted, fluffy interior.
Of course, the hints of butter, yeast and salt in ideal ratios are what identifies one twisted classic from another, and at the new Oh My! Pretzels of Chester Springs, owner Darren Hodorovich unleashes the pure definition of a pretzel that’s a step above the rest.
Hodorovich, a father of three, flocked throughout the food industry for many years, most recently concocting health-conscious options for a local catering company. “I was looking to start my own food-related business that had good potential to grow,” he said.
For the local entrepreneur, deciding on from-scratch soft pretzels as his business’ stars were easy, and he quickly researched variations of raved twists in order to tackle a blend unique to the area and his personal business. A fan of the taste of Auntie Anne’s pretzels, the baker wanted to capture the strong butter flavor within his blends without having to dip the entire twisted dough.
So, with a desire to offer light and healthier versions of the notorious pretzels, he instead choose to only brush the pretzels with butter, versus dipping, and craft blends with organic King Arthur flours.
“We source as many local and organic ingredients as possible,” he said.
Hodorovich, who always strives to stay fresh and constantly “switch it up,” is adamant about researching the latest food trends, to continuously offer something new to his food business. Only open just a few months ago, on June 1st, he’s already introduced pretzel sandwiches to his repertoire, which have become crowd pleasers at the farmers’ markets where he slings his goods.
Twisting his original dough in a swirl, rather than the classic pretzel form, is what makes the soft pretzel maker’s buns unique to other pretzelwich pleasures, for the shape “helps to hold in all of the sandwich’s contents,” he said.
From layered variations like the fresh mozzarella and tomato with pesto to the ham and Swiss; the Granny Smith, ham and brie; the chicken salad with fruit, including grapes and peaches; and a grilled veggie; each hearty sandwich is available individually for $6 a piece, or in party trays of 20, 40 and 60 halves.
He also reveals he makes mini-sliders, perfect for kids, found in his offering of “lunch boxes” packed with whole wheat buns and fresh fruit.
With a successful regular lineup of pretzel choices, besides the previously-mentioned whole wheat, of cinnamon and brown sugar, aged cheddar cheese, salted white and salted whole wheat, Hodorovich also prepares mini hot dogs in a bun, pretzel sticks and various party trays for any sort of function, available with dipping sauces of whole grain, Dijon or classic yellow mustard.
Oh My! Soft Pretzels are found weekly at Anselma Mill’s Farmers’ Market on Wednesdays, 1 to 6 p.m.; The Farmers’ Market of Elverson on Saturdays, 9 to 1 p.m.; Penn State Great Valley’s lunchtime Farmers’ Market on Thursdays, 11 a.m. To 2 p.m; and of course, at their storefront of Chester Springs at 213 Pottstown Pike, Wednesdays through Sundays, around 10 a.m.
If you are looking for a quick, carb fix or you are simply in pursuit of the best soft pretzel, Oh My! Pretzels are surely your best bet, celebrating some of the finest classic twists found easily within the farm fresh Chester County.
Oh My! Pretzels is available by phone at 484-341-8227.
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