Ah, the smell of freshly baked pretzels! I love to be walking in the mall when they’re baking. The aroma is intoxicating, especially when it’s coming from Auntie Anne’s Heavenly Pretzels. Part of what makes them so good is choice. My favorite is the Original with salt. I have a plain-vanilla personality. It goes along with a brain that is going in a thousand different directions, so the plainer the sensory stimulant, the better. My husband, on the other hand, is a much more creative individual. Give him the Sour Cream & Onion pretzel every time. My son is the adventurous one. He’ll try them all – at one sitting, if we’d let him. (Don’t you love teenaged boys?) From Almond to Sesame Seed to Jalapeno, there’s a variety to suit just about everyone.
Auntie Anne’s has recently served their billionth pretzel. Yes, billionth. They started out at a Pennsylvania farmer’s market in 1988, and have already grown to almost 900 locations in 12 different countries. That’s very fast! In celebration, they’re offering a Buy 1, Get 1 Free coupon. (Limit one per person.) You’ll need to register on their site, and the code will come via e-mail. Make sure your printer is on because the window will only open once. If it’s closed, they’ll assume you’ve already printed the coupon. While you’re there, register for their newsletter, The Twisted News. It’s an email newsletter full of coupons, offers, interesting stories, and off-the-wall facts.
Since I’m watching my weight, I checked the nutritional information at the site, expecting that Auntie Anne’s would be yet another treat I had to give up. I was glad to see that the whole-wheat pretzel has 11 grams of fiber, and 7 grams of protein. All for only 370 calories. If you’re after something a little more decadent, I recommend the Glazin’ Raisin pretzel. So much better tasting and more satisfying than a donut!