The 1901 Cookbook Archive
No. 1881 — Mnichi: Scalded Small Pretzels
English historical translation of Molokhovets recipe No. 1881 from the 1901 Russian cookbook, retaining original methods and measures.
Scald small dry shop-bought pretzels with boiling water until swollen but not mushy, then drain and salt.
Serve with browned or plain melted butter.
Alternatively soak the pretzels in red wine until swollen, fry in butter and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar.
The author notes that these mnichi were prepared while travelling at stations where other provisions were difficult to find.
Original source: Read Russian recipe No. 1881. Historical quantities and terminology are retained. See the measurements guide. Period preparation and storage methods are not modern safety guidance.