In this Nov. 7, 2011 file photo a man wearing the traditional costume of the region eats a pretzel during the traditional Leonhardi pilgrimage in Bad Toelz, southern Germany.
A twisted piece of dough has been elevated to cultural icon status by the European Union, which has added the Bavarian Breze to its “protected origins” list. That means only pretzels produced in the southern German state can be sold as “Bavarian” pretzels. In a mouth-watering press release Friday, Feb. 21, 2014, the 28-nation bloc’s executive Commission said Bavarian pretzels are “characterized by a doughy taste, combined with a short, crisp crack and a soft, fluffy texture.” (AP Photo/Matthias Schrader)
