Are pretzels a "healthy" snack? Probably depends on what you mean by "healthy." They're certainly better than chips and they're low-fat, but they're also carb-heavy and have a lot of salt.

But if there's one day you should go crazy and eat lots of pretzels, let it be this one. It's National Pretzel Day! I like all kinds of pretzels. When I was a kid I loved the little pretzel sticks, and then when I got older I liked the pretzel rods (you can put them in your mouth like a cigar!). I like the twists too, and all the incredible flavored pretzels (mustard

Here's a recipe for Soft Pretzels from Alton Brown, and here's one for New York Pretzels, from Gourmet. If you like your pretzels sweet, here are recipes for Pretzel Turtles, from Rachael Ray, and one for Chocolate Covered Peanut Butter Stuffed Pretzels from RecipeZaar.

I went through a phase several years ago where I was eating soft pretzels for meals once or twice a month.

Now, this wasn't just grabbing a couple of soft pretzels and something to drink and calling it a meal, I put different things on top of the pretzel: ham and cheese, peanut butter and jelly, mustard. It's like having a really chewy sandwich, only a lot saltier. Hey, why not, it's pretty much bread, right?

April is National Soft Pretzel Month. You can buy your own from the supermarket or make your own with this recipe from Alton Brown.

So what's the latest word on pretzels? Thoughout the 80s and 90s we heard they were good for you because they were low fat. Then we heard they might not be the best snack for you. And then companies started putting the "no cholesterol" stamp on packages. Are they a good snack or not?

October is National Pretzel Month, and whether you like the little sticks plain or the big soft ones with mustard on top, celebrate with a bag today. Does anyone here make their own pretzels? It's one of those things I've just never thought of doing.

When I was a kid I use to eat the long pretzel rods and pretend they were cigars.

Nothing can beat a fresh, soft pretzel from Philadelphia. The best ones come from "the Sale," which is a cross between a flea market and a farmer's market and also happens to have a lot of Amish people selling outrageously tasty food. Going out to find the perfect pretzel is not always convenient, however, and a homemade pretzel can be a good alternative. Not only is the the taste to look forward to, but the pretzels are easy and fun to make. Another kid friendly recipe, you can let your kids help to shape all the pretzels after the dough is risen. A second rise is not necessary when making these, as it helps them stay chewy.

The average person will eat 1200 calories of high fat snack food while watching the Super Bowl, not including a few beers or sodas to wash down those munchies. And while it is a good idea to provide enough snack foods to satisfy the cravings of your guests, it is nice to snack with your friends without ending up looking like a member of your favorite football team.

Potato chips are the number one snack. Test out a few brands that bake their chips instead of frying them to find one you like, or make your own pita chips. Better yet, leave out the chips and fill your plates with chopped and sliced vegetables, which are crunchy and go great with almost any dip. If your favorite dip happens to be high in fat - a spicy cheese or hot artichoke dip - do yourself a favor and use vegetables or crackers for dipping instead of chips. Pretzels, both hard and soft, are often low in fat and make great snack food, especially when paired with mustard or some other dip.