Uncle Jerry's Handmade Pretzels

I got hired to snap some product shots for Uncle Jerry's Pretzels awhile back and it looks like the photos are starting to make their way to their website. See if you can ID my photos and the original ones from Uncle J! Pal of mine from the good old undergraduate days is currently redesigning the website and a second photoshoot is planned, so maybe some lucky San Diego or LA/OC bloggers can swing by for some tasters :) We'll see.

Here's a small handful of photos from the first shoot:

The original Plain-Jane

Okay okay. Calling The Original a plain Jane isn't exactly fair. It really puts typical pretzels to shame. I especially like the faint smokiness that the salt gives. Dough tastes light, clean, and fresh. That probably doesn't make any sense, but think of it as a supermarket cake VS cake from a capable bakery or dessert cafe. One's obviously finer. If ya can't tell the difference, then I don't know what to tell you. (Maybe "L2Taste, n00b" ?)

My only complaint is that Uncle Jerry was a bit too gung-ho when sprinkling on the salt. I suggest brushing at least 25% of it off or washing it down with some good local brew*. A beefy IPA or Belgian Strong Pale Ale would go very nice with these.

Extra Dark

Hands down my favorite of all Uncle Jerry's offerings, even though I have yet to taste the chocolate pretzels. For reals, you just can't beat that smokey, lightly charred taste. Love it! The Original is good, but giving it a good burn puts it at a whole new level of awesomeness. This variety is definitely for folks who enjoy strong, bold flavors.

Milk Chocolate

Hope to try it on the next shoot. Smells good, though!

Dark Chocolate

Have not tasted this sexay thing yet either, but I do salivate at the sight of it. Like its Milk Chocolate sibling, this baby is one big hefty fella. You can really feel the weight in your hand.

Family portrait

Uncle Jerry also carries Whole Wheat and Sesame flavors. I'm not exactly a fan of those two, but they do have their merits other than being higher in fiber and therefore healthier than their chocolate or OG counterparts. The Whole Wheat really does taste like...whole wheat, which is to say it tastes like "blah." Slight nuttiness with a rough texture. I'll eat it only because it's a healthier option. The Sesame is two or three steps ahead of Whole Wheat in terms of flavor. Their textures are similar, but the Sesame is more aromatic thanks to the addition of sesame (ah duuuhrr, Roger). Try 'em and let's compare notes. I'm sure some folks would enjoy the nuttiness.

I do want to emphasize that Whole Wheat and Sesame don't taste bad at all, but they can't hold a candle to the OG or Extra Dark. However, when you are working your way solo through a whole bag of OG or Extra Dark like the pig and stress eater that I am, it is really nice to have some sort of palate cleanser. Sesame's my choice fo sho.


Stay tuned for Berserkerfest II + me and my bro's Grace burger night celebration.



*UPDATE (3/7/10): Apologies to readers and Uncle Jerry. It completely slipped my mind to mention that all flavors are also available in Low Salt. Sorry, fellas!


Uncle Jerry's Handmade Pennsylvania Dutch Pretzels
Uncle Jerry’s Pretzels
PO Box 695
Lancaster, PA 17608
(717) 872 - 0803