Pretzels and More from Orange Country California Review

 

Pretzels & More: A Taste of Bavaria from Orange County, California

There is something about the smell and taste of a freshly baked pretzel that instantly makes you want to sit back, relax, and enjoy every bite. When that pretzel is handcrafted with sourdough, quality ingredients, traditional German baking techniques, and plenty of time and care, you get something extra special.

Today on Momz Daily Scoops, I am excited to introduce you to Pretzels & More, a small artisan bakery bringing authentic Bavarian-style baked goods to Southern California.

Based in Orange County, California, Pretzels & More was founded in September 2025 by a baker who grew up in Bavaria, Germany. Baking was part of her childhood, and after moving to California, she wanted to recreate the type of bread and pretzels she remembered from home. After more than a year of training and experimenting with sourdough and pretzel baking, Pretzels & More was born.

What I really love about the story behind this company is that the focus isn't on mass-produced baked goods. It is about keeping the process traditional, using quality ingredients, and giving the dough the time it needs.

What Makes Pretzels & More Different?

One of the first things that caught my attention about Pretzels & More is their commitment to simple ingredients.

The bakery uses organic unbleached wheat flour, wholesome flours imported from Germany, and other carefully selected ingredients. The company says its breads and pretzels contain no preservatives or artificial flavors and no added sugar or corn syrup.

But ingredients are only part of the story.

Time Matters

The dough is made using sourdough and long-fermentation techniques. Each dough is allowed to ripen for 24 hours or more, which gives the finished baked goods a deeper and more developed flavor.

That extra time is one of those little things that can make a big difference.

Instead of rushing the process, Pretzels & More allows the sourdough to do its job. The result is a pretzel with an aromatic, flavorful interior and the characteristic salty crust that you expect from a traditional Bavarian pretzel.

The pretzels are also handcrafted, with each product made individually rather than looking like something that came off a giant factory production line.

Bavarian Pretzels

Let's start with one of the stars of the bakery — the Bavarian Pretzels.

These pretzels are handmade using organic wheat flour, filtered water, whole rye sourdough starter, unsalted butter, sea salt, barley malt, a small amount of instant yeast, traditional pretzel lye, and pretzel salt.

The texture is exactly what I want from a good Bavarian pretzel.

You get that wonderfully soft and aromatic inside, while the outside develops a crisp, salty crust from the traditional pretzel-making process.

The flavor has that unmistakable combination of slightly tangy sourdough, buttery richness, toasted malt, and salty pretzel crust.

And these aren't little snack-sized pretzels either. The individual Bavarian pretzels weigh approximately 3.5 ounces each.

What Would I Pair With a Bavarian Pretzel?

Oh, there are so many possibilities!

These would be fantastic with:

• Bavarian sweet mustard

• Honey mustard

• Cheese dip

• Obatzda, the traditional Bavarian cheese spread

• Bratwurst

• German sausages

• Ham and cheese

• Beer cheese

• A hearty soup

• Potato salad

• Sauerkraut

Pretzels & More specifically recommends enjoying its Bavarian pretzels with Munich white sausages and sweet Bavarian mustard for a traditional Bavarian breakfast.

And of course, for a true German-inspired experience, you could enjoy them with a cold Weissbier.

Oktoberfest Pretzels

Now let's talk about one of my favorites for the fall season — the Oktoberfest Pretzels.

These are BIG!

Each Oktoberfest pretzel weighs approximately 14 ounces, making them a real centerpiece for a party table.

The bakery describes these as having a nicely crisp exterior with plenty of dough inside for dipping. The soft, aromatic center and crunchy, salty crust make them especially fun for dipping into Obatzda or serving alongside your favorite German-inspired foods.

And honestly, I think these would make an amazing addition to an October gathering.

Put one on a large wooden board with mustard, cheese, sausage, pickles, and sliced meats and you have yourself a beautiful Oktoberfest-inspired spread.

They would also be wonderful for:

Fall parties • Game days • Family gatherings • Birthday buffets • German-themed dinners • October celebrations

While they are perfect for Oktoberfest, Pretzels & More points out that they can be enjoyed throughout the year.

Pretzel Twists

Another fun offering is the Pretzel Twist.

These give you a little bit of both worlds — the traditional flavor of a pretzel combined with the softer, doughier texture you would expect from a roll.

They are hand-twisted and made using the same long-fermentation process, with the traditional pretzel lye and salt providing that distinctive pretzel flavor and crust.

I especially like the idea of using these for sandwiches.

Imagine slicing one open and filling it with:

• Turkey and Swiss

• Ham and cheddar

• Roast beef and provolone

• Chicken salad

• Egg salad

• Grilled chicken

• German-style sausage

They would also make a wonderful breakfast sandwich with scrambled eggs, cheese, and sausage.

Mini Pretzels

For entertaining, the Mini Pretzels are a great option.

Their smaller size makes them perfect for snack trays, children's parties, game-day tables, or an Oktoberfest appetizer spread.

Set out several dipping sauces and let everyone choose their favorite.

Some of my favorite dipping ideas would be beer cheese, honey mustard, spicy mustard, ranch, warm cheddar cheese, or even a sweet cinnamon dip if you're looking for something different.

Pretzel Rolls

Pretzels & More also offers Pretzel Rolls, giving you another way to enjoy that traditional pretzel flavor.

These would be wonderful as sandwich rolls or served alongside dinner.

I could see them being fantastic with pulled pork, grilled chicken, roast beef, burgers, or even a warm bowl of chili.

And because the pretzel flavor is already so distinctive, you don't need to do much to make them special.

A little butter and a warm pretzel roll can be pretty amazing all by itself!

More Than Just Pretzels

Pretzels & More isn't only about pretzels.

The bakery also offers sourdough baked goods, including Pumpkin Seed Sourdough Rolls, as well as products that can turn a simple meal into a Bavarian-inspired experience.

The current lineup also includes a Bavarian Breakfast Set featuring Bavarian pretzels, Munich white sausages, and traditional sweet mustard.

There are also German mustards available, including Bavarian Sweet Mustard and Olive & Lemon Mustard.

That makes it possible to put together an entire German-inspired breakfast or snack board without having to hunt down every ingredient separately.

The Danke Cookie for October, and then we have the Danke Cookie, which is a particularly fun idea for the October season.

The word Danke means "thank you" in German, making a Danke-themed cookie a sweet way to bring a little German spirit to an October celebration.

I think these would be especially cute served alongside the Oktoberfest pretzels for a party spread. You could have your savory foods on one side of the table and finish with the cookies as a little sweet treat.

They would also make a fun addition to an October gift basket featuring German-inspired goodies.

For me, the combination of pretzels and a seasonal Danke Cookie really captures the spirit of gathering together, sharing food, and saying danke to the people around you.

My Favorite Pairing Ideas

If I were putting together a Pretzels & More tasting table, here is what I would serve:

Bavarian Pretzel + Sweet Mustard

Simple, traditional, and delicious.

Oktoberfest Pretzel + Obatzda

The crisp, salty pretzel crust with a creamy cheese spread would be a wonderful combination.

Pretzel Twist + Ham & Swiss

The soft, doughy texture makes this a perfect sandwich combination.

Pretzel Roll + Bratwurst

Add mustard and sauerkraut and you've got a German-inspired meal.

Mini Pretzels + Cheese Dip

Perfect for snacking and entertaining.

Pumpkin Seed Sourdough Roll + Soup

A warm soup with a hearty sourdough roll sounds like the perfect cool-weather meal.

Danke Cookie + Coffee

And after all those savory flavors, a sweet cookie with a cup of coffee would be a wonderful way to finish.

Why I Love the Story Behind Pretzels & More

What stands out to me about Pretzels & More is the passion behind the baking.

This is a company built around bringing a taste of Bavaria to California while staying committed to traditional methods. The founder's childhood connection to German baking, combined with her later training and experimentation with sourdough and pretzels, helped turn that passion into a business.

The company bakes to order in a home kitchen approved by Orange County, California, under Cottage Food Permit PR148132.

There is something special about knowing that the pretzel you're enjoying was handcrafted with attention to the dough, fermentation, ingredients, and baking process.

Final Thoughts from Momz Daily Scoops

As someone who loves discovering unique food companies and products that give us something different to enjoy, Pretzels & More really caught my attention.

These aren't just pretzels thrown together for a quick snack. The sourdough, long fermentation, traditional Bavarian techniques, and handcrafted approach all contribute to a product designed to bring authentic German-style baking to the table.

I love the variety, too. Whether you're looking for a traditional Bavarian pretzel, a giant Oktoberfest pretzel for a party, a pretzel twist for a sandwich, or sourdough rolls for dinner, there are plenty of ways to enjoy what this bakery creates.

And October is the perfect time to give them a try.

So grab some mustard, cheese, sausage, and your favorite fall beverage, put on a little German music, gather your family and friends, and make your own little Oktoberfest celebration at home.

From the first bite of that salty, crisp crust to the soft, flavorful center, Pretzels & More brings a little taste of Bavaria right to your table.

Prost and danke! 🥨🇩🇪

https://www.pretzels-and-more.com

Prego Review

 

Prego Pasta Sauces: Classic Comfort with Plenty of Flavor

There is something so comforting about a good plate of pasta. Whether it is a busy weeknight dinner, Sunday supper with the family, or a meal when you simply want something warm and satisfying, pasta and sauce are a combination that never seems to go out of style.

That is one of the reasons I enjoy discovering the different sauces from Prego®. Prego has built its reputation around making pasta night easy, flavorful, and convenient, while offering a surprisingly wide variety of sauces to choose from.

From traditional tomato sauces to creamy Alfredo sauces, cheese sauces, pesto, and newer flavors, there is a Prego sauce for just about every kind of pasta craving. Prego's current lineup includes Classic Tomato Sauces, Creamy Tomato Sauces, Alfredo Sauces, Cheese Sauces, Pesto Sauces, and Pizza Sauces.

A Little About Prego

Prego is part of The Campbell's Company and has been making pasta sauces for decades. The brand's tomato-sauce approach focuses on vine-ripened tomatoes, herbs and seasonings, with the goal of creating a sauce that is thick, flavorful, and easy to use. Prego says its tomatoes are harvested at peak freshness and cooked within 6–8 hours of being picked.

One thing that stands out about Prego tomato sauces is their thick, smooth texture. Instead of a watery sauce that disappears into the pasta, the sauce clings nicely to noodles, making every bite flavorful. Prego describes its classic sauces as having a famously thick texture and balanced flavor.

So Many Flavors to Explore

Prego offers a large selection of sauces, which means you can change up pasta night without having to completely reinvent dinner.

Some of the Classic Tomato Sauce varieties include:

• Traditional Sauce

• Margherita Sauce

• Chunky Roasted Garlic & Herb

• Italian Sauce Flavored with Meat

• Spicy Marinara

• Chunky Tomato, Basil & Garlic

The tomato sauces range from sweet and traditional to chunky, garlicky, herby, spicy, and savory.

Prego also offers creamy tomato sauces, cheese sauces, pesto sauces, pizza sauces, and a selection of Alfredo sauces. The creamy pesto line, for example, combines the richness of Alfredo with the bright, herby flavor of pesto and is made with fresh cream and real basil.

That variety makes Prego useful for more than just spaghetti. These sauces can become ingredients in casseroles, chicken dishes, seafood recipes, vegetables, sandwiches, pizza, and even creative appetizers.

Prego Alfredo Sauces

If you love creamy pasta sauces, Prego's Alfredo collection is definitely worth exploring.

The Alfredo lineup includes Homestyle Alfredo, Roasted Garlic Parmesan Alfredo, Artisan Four Cheese Alfredo, Garlic & Caramelized Onion Alfredo, Lemon Alfredo, and Cajun Alfredo.

Prego describes its Alfredo sauces as being made with fresh cream and real cheese, giving them a rich and creamy character.

And now there are two newer flavors that really caught my attention: Lemon Alfredo and Cajun Alfredo.

Prego Lemon Alfredo Sauce

Lemon and cream might sound like an unusual combination at first, but they actually work beautifully together.

Prego's Lemon Alfredo Sauce combines bright lemon flavor with rich, velvety cream. The sauce is made with fresh cream, real Parmesan cheese, butter, lemon peel, lemon juice concentrate, and seasonings. It is also vegetarian and contains no high-fructose corn syrup.

The Taste

The first thing I would expect from this sauce is that lovely contrast between creamy richness and fresh citrus brightness.

Traditional Alfredo can sometimes feel very rich and heavy. The lemon gives this version a lighter, brighter personality. You still get the creamy Parmesan flavor, but the lemon helps wake everything up.

I think this makes it especially appealing with:

• Chicken

• Shrimp

• Salmon

• Scallops

• Asparagus

• Broccoli

• Spinach

• Peas

• Mushrooms

• Orzo

• Fettuccine

• Linguine

The texture is smooth, creamy, and velvety, making it ideal for coating pasta or turning into a creamy sauce for chicken and seafood.

Prego itself uses the Lemon Alfredo in dishes such as Chicken Piccata Pasta and Creamy Lemon Orzo with Shrimp.

Prego Cajun Alfredo Sauce

Now this is where Alfredo gets a little more adventurous!

Prego Cajun Alfredo Sauce takes the creamy Alfredo concept and adds bold Cajun-inspired seasoning. Instead of simply being rich and cheesy, this sauce brings a savory, zesty personality to the table.

The Taste

The creamy base helps mellow the spices while still allowing that Cajun flavor to come through.

This would be fantastic with foods that can stand up to a little extra seasoning, including:

• Chicken

• Shrimp

• Andouille sausage

• Crawfish

• Salmon

• Bell peppers

• Onions

• Mushrooms

• Rice

• Penne

• Fettuccine

Prego even uses the Cajun Alfredo in a creamy Cajun jambalaya featuring sausage, shrimp, vegetables, tomatoes, and rice.

The texture is creamy and smooth, but the Cajun seasoning gives it much more personality than a traditional Alfredo.

My Favorite Way to Use Lemon Alfredo

I wanted to create something a little different than the usual chicken Alfredo or shrimp Alfredo.

So here is a recipe that combines crispy chicken, roasted asparagus, lemon Alfredo, and buttery Parmesan breadcrumbs.

Crispy Lemon Alfredo Chicken with Roasted Asparagus

Ingredients

For the chicken:

• 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts

• 1/2 cup Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs

• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1 egg

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• Salt and black pepper

For the pasta:

• 12 ounces linguine or fettuccine

• 1 jar Prego Lemon Alfredo Sauce

• 1/2 cup reserved pasta water

• 1 cup roasted asparagus, cut into bite-size pieces

• 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped

• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese

• 1 teaspoon lemon zest

• Fresh parsley

Directions

1. Prepare the chicken.
   Slice the chicken breasts horizontally to create thinner cutlets. Season lightly with salt and pepper.

2. Make the coating.
   Combine the breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese in a shallow bowl. Beat the egg in another bowl.

3. Coat the chicken.
   Dip each chicken cutlet into the egg and then into the Parmesan breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently so the coating sticks.

4. Cook the chicken.
   Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken for several minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and allow it to rest.

5. Cook the pasta.
   Prepare the linguine or fettuccine according to the package directions. Before draining, reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta water.

6. Build the sauce.
   Add the Prego Lemon Alfredo Sauce to a large skillet and warm gently. Stir in a little of the reserved pasta water until the sauce reaches your favorite consistency.

7. Add the vegetables.
   Stir in the roasted asparagus and sun-dried tomatoes.

8. Bring everything together.
   Add the cooked pasta and toss gently until it is completely coated in the creamy lemon sauce.

9. Finish the dish.
   Slice the crispy chicken and arrange it over the pasta. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese, fresh parsley, and lemon zest.

The Finished Dish

What makes this recipe special is the combination of textures. You have silky, creamy pasta, tender roasted asparagus, chewy sun-dried tomatoes, and crispy Parmesan-coated chicken.

The lemon in the Alfredo sauce keeps the dish from feeling too heavy, while the Parmesan and breadcrumbs give it a savory richness.

For an extra pop of flavor, squeeze a little fresh lemon juice over the chicken just before serving.

Prego: More Than Just Spaghetti Sauce 

What I like about a collection like Prego's is that you aren't limited to one type of pasta night.

You can go traditional with tomato sauce and spaghetti, make something hearty with a meat sauce, add some heat with spicy marinara, go creamy with Alfredo, bring in fresh herb flavors with pesto, or try something completely different with Lemon Alfredo or Cajun Alfredo.

The Lemon Alfredo is particularly fun because the bright citrus flavor gives creamy pasta a fresh twist. The Cajun Alfredo, meanwhile, is a great choice when you want creamy comfort food with a little more spice and personality.

For me, that is what makes having different sauces in the pantry so useful. One jar can be the beginning of so many different meals. With a little imagination, Prego can take you far beyond a simple bowl of spaghetti!

https://www.campbells.com/prego

Cozy Roasted Butternut Squash & Apple Soup

There is nothing quite like a warm bowl of soup to welcome the crisp autumn air. This Roasted Butternut Squash and Apple Soup is the ultimate celebration of fall flavors. Roasting the squash alongside tart Honeycrisp apples, sweet onions, and garlic caramelizes their natural sugars, creating a deeply rich, velvety, and comforting soup.

This recipe serves 4 to 6 people and is naturally gluten-free and vegetarian (with an easy vegan option).

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🛒 Ingredients Checklist

• 1 large butternut squash (about 3 lbs), peeled, seeded, and cut into 1-inch cubes
• 2 crisp tart apples (such as Honeycrisp or Granny Smith), peeled, cored, and chopped
• 1 large yellow onion, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, peeled and left whole
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried sage (or 1 tablespoon fresh chopped sage)
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
• 1/2 cup heavy cream (or full-fat canned coconut milk for a vegan alternative)
• Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

Optional Toppings for Serving

• Toasted pumpkin seeds (Pepitas)
• A drizzle of heavy cream or olive oil
• Crisp crumbled bacon (if not vegetarian)

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🛠️ Equipment Needed

• A large rimmed baking sheet
• A large Dutch oven or soup pot
• An immersion blender (or a high-speed countertop blender)

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📝 Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Roast the Veggies & Fruit

• Preheat the oven: Turn your oven to 400°F (200°C).
• Toss with oil and spices: On a large baking sheet, combine the cubed butternut squash, chopped apples, onion, and whole garlic cloves. Drizzle with the olive oil. Sprinkle the dried sage, thyme, nutmeg, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper evenly over everything. Toss until well coated and spread into a single layer.
• Roast: Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, tossing halfway through, until the squash is completely fork-tender and the edges are beautifully browned and caramelized.

2. Simmer the Soup Base

• Combine: Transfer all of the roasted squash, apples, onion, and garlic straight into your large Dutch oven or soup pot.
• Add broth: Pour in the 4 cups of vegetable broth, stirring to scrape up any flavorful bits from the bottom. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for 10 minutes so the flavors marry.

3. Blend Until Silky Smooth

• Puree: Remove the pot from the heat. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until it is completely smooth and creamy. (If using a standard countertop blender, work in small batches and remove the center cap of the lid, covering it with a clean towel to let steam safely escape).
• Finish with cream: Stir in the heavy cream (or coconut milk). Taste the soup and add more salt and pepper if needed. Return the pot to low heat for 2 to 3 minutes just to warm it back through.

4. Garnish and Serve

• Ladle the warm soup into bowls. Top with a swirl of cream, a handful of toasted pumpkin seeds for crunch, and a crack of fresh black pepper. Pair it with warm, crusty bread.

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💡 Pro-Tips for Success

• Save time on prep: Most grocery stores sell pre-peeled and cubed butternut squash in the produce section. Grab two 16-ounce packages to bypass the hardest part of the prep!
• Balance the sweetness: Squash and apples are naturally sweet. If you find the soup too sweet for your taste, stir in 1 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar at the very end to cut through the sweetness and brighten the flavor profile.