Cinnamon Raisin Soft Pretzels

This is from an Amish cookbook..that we picked up on a recent road trip...

• Ready In: 1 hr 15 mins
• Serves: 14

Ingredients

• 1  ounce active dry yeast
• 1 1⁄2 cups warm water
• 2  tablespoons brown sugar
• 1  teaspoon salt
• 2  cups cake flour
• 3⁄4 cup raisins
• 2  tablespoons baking soda
• 2  cups hot water
• 3  tablespoons butter, melted
• 3⁄4 cup sugar
• 1  teaspoon ground cinnamon

Directions

1. In large bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water, stir in brown sugar and salt -- add cake flour and stir well.
2. add enough all purpose flour to form a soft dough.
3. stir in raisins, turn onto floured surface.
4. knead till smooth -- about 6-8 minutes.
5. place in a greased bowl, turn to grease top.
6. cover and let rise at least 40 minutes --
7. punch dough down.divide into 14 balls.
8. roll each ball into a 15" long rope.
9. dissolve baking soda in hot water --
10. dip each rope in baking soda water and drain on paper towels.
11. form into pretzel shapes, place on greased sheets.
12. bake at 400* for 15 minutes --
13. combine 3/4 cup sugar and 1 tsp ground cinnamon, brush pretzels with the three tablespoons of butter and dip in cinnamon sugar mixture.