HOT PRETZEL RECIPE (for you Jen :))

• 4 tsp active dry yeast
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1 1/4 cups warm water (110 degrees F/45 degrees C)
• 5 cups flour
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 tbs vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup baking soda
• 4 cups hot water
• 1/4 cup kosher salt, topping
• Egg to brush on top  - 1 egg mixed with 1 tsp water

In a med bowl (it will foam over top if bowl too small), dissolve yeast, 1 tsp sugar in warm water. Cover until creamy, 10 minutes.

In large bowl, mix flour, 1/2 cup sugar, & salt. Put a well in the center; add oil and yeast mixture. Mix and form into a dough. If the mixture is dry, add one or two tablespoons of water. Knead until smooth, 7 to 8 minutes. Lightly oil a large bowl, place the dough in the bowl and turn to coat with oil. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size, 1 hour.

(I can't recall which but I remember this recipe being too wet or too dry.  Either way I added more flour or water so it came to a nice dough texture.  If you make bread you can easily figure out what it is lacking.)

Preheat oven to 450.

In a large bowl, dissolve baking soda in boiling water.

When risen, divide into 12 pieces.

Roll each into a pretzel shape.

Once all of the pretzels are shaped, boil each in the baking soda solution for 1-2 mins per side....they will float. I boiled 4 at a time.  Remove with large slotted spoon or tongs...careful so they don't fall apart. They will seem 'yucky' looking but let them air dry a few mins and then put on oiled cookie sheet, brush with egg mixture (1 egg, 1 tsp water) and top with salt and I assure you they will bake up so pretty!  Bake at 450 for approx 12-15 mins.

Tip: If you can make the pretzels a nice uniform shape (not too thin) they will boil better, not fall apart and bake into a pretty bagel.

I'd love to hear how they turn out...do share.