Soft Pretzels

Ingredients:

• 1 package active dry yeast
• 1 1/2 cup warm mild (110 degrees)
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 4 cups flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 quarts water
• 2 tablespoons baking soda
• 1 egg, lightly beaten with 2 tablespoons water
• coarse salt

Directions:

1. Mix yeast with milk and sugar; let proof for 10 minutes
2. Place 3 1/2 cups flour and salt in food processor with metal blades
3. With motor running pour yeast mixture through feeder tube
4. Pulse until dough forms a ball
5. If dough is too sticky, add a bit more flour.
6. Turn dough into oiled bowl and cover. Let rise in a warm place to double in size, about an hour
7. Punch down dough and divide into 20 pieces
8. Roll each into a 20 inch rope.  Form pretzel shaped or cut each rope into 10 2-inch pieces.
9. Place on lightly floured surface; let rise for 30 minutes, until about double in size.
10. Preheat over to 400 degrees
11. In a large deep skillet, bring 2 quarts of water and 2 tablespoons of baking soda to simmering
12. Place a few pretzels in the simmering liquid using a broad spatula.
13. Simmer about 30 seconds on each side.
14. Place pretzels on a cookie sheet covered with parchment paper, original side up.
15. Brush with egg wash and sprinkle with coarse salt.
16. Bake 18 to 20 minutes.