N.L. CENTRAL
Chicago Cubs Baseball Club
WRIGLEY FIELD
LOCATION
Chicago, Illinois
OPENED
1914
CAPACITY
41,160
NICKNAMES
The Friendly Confines, Cubs Park
When it comes to pure history and atmosphere, few ballparks can compete with the “friendly confines” of Wrigley Field. Built in 1914, this gem on the north side of Chicago has been home to more than a century of professional baseball. Wrigley’s outfield fence — brick covered with thick green ivy — is its hallmark. By modern standards, the stadium is small, seating just more than 40,000. But some of the most prized seating isn’t even in the stadium, as adjacent buildings offer fans “rooftop seating” that allows them to look in on ball games without ever entering the park!
PRETZEL TWISTS
WITH HONEY MUSTARD & CHEESY DIPPING SAUCES
Whether inside the stadium or in the streets of surrounding Wrigleyville, fans have a wide range of food choices. From juicy Chicago-style hot dogs and deep-dish pizza to Wrigley’s famous giant twist pretzel, complete with cheesy dipping sauce. The food on the north side of Chicago is hearty and delicious.
N.L. CENTRAL
Chicago Cubs Baseball Club
PRETZEL TWISTS
PREP TIME
1 hour 15 minutes
COOK TIME
30 minutes
MAKES
6 twists
INGREDIENTS
- 1 packet instant yeast
- 2 tablespoons salt
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1 cup warm water
- 2 1/2 cups flour, plus more for kneading
- 3 cups water
- 1/2 cup baking soda
- vegetable oil spray
- 6 tablespoons melted butter
- optional sprinklings: kosher salt, poppy seeds, sesame seeds
INSTRUCTIONS
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the yeast, salt, honey, and warm water. Allow to sit 2 minutes.
- Add the flour. Mix well and turn the bowl onto a floured surface. Knead the dough well with your hands for about 5 minutes, or until it is soft and smooth.
- Spray the inside of a clean mixing bowl with vegetable oil spray and place the dough in the bowl. Cover with a clean damp cloth and allow to sit for 30 minutes to rise.
- Flour a surface and place the dough on it. Knead 1 minute, then cut the dough into 6 pieces.
- Roll the dough between your hands and the counter to make ropes about 12 inches long.
- Fold a rope in half and then twist it to make the dough braided. Repeat for remaining dough and set aside.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F. Spray the baking sheet with a light coating of vegetable oil spray.
- Boil water in a saucepan. Add baking soda and stir until it dissolves. Reduce the heat so it slowly simmers. Drop the twists in the saucepan two at a time. Let them cook for 30 seconds.
- Place the twists 1/4-inch apart on the baking sheet. Sprinkle with salt and seeds, if desired.
- Bake for 30 minutes or until golden brown. Then brush with melted butter before serving.
N.L. CENTRAL
Chicago Cubs Baseball Club
HONEY-MUSTARD DIPPING SAUCE
PREP TIME
5 minutes
COOK TIME
0 minutes
MAKES
1 1/2 cups
INGREDIENTS
- 1 cup coarse ground mustard
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1 teaspoon salt
INSTRUCTIONS
- Combine all of the ingredients in a mixing bowl.
- Taste the mixture and add more honey or mustard if needed. Serve alongside your pretzel twists.
N.L. CENTRAL
Chicago Cubs Baseball Club
CHEESY DIPPING SAUCE
PREP TIME
5 minutes
COOK TIME
5 minutes
MAKES
1 cup
INGREDIENTS
- 2 ounces sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
INSTRUCTIONS
- Grate the cheese and set aside. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and add the flour. Whisk gently until the flour absorbs the butter.
- Slowly pour in the milk while whisking quickly.
- As the liquid thickens, add the cheese, salt, and paprika, stirring frequently until the cheese completely melts.
- Pour into a serving bowl and serve immediately.