Pretzels

I just love these things. I can't ever get enough of them so I figured I'd share the recipe with you guys.

• Ready In: 41 mins
• Serves: 12

Ingredients

• 2 1⁄4 teaspoons  yeast
• 1 1⁄4 cups warm water
• 1⁄4 cup  packed brown sugar
• 2  cups bread flour
• 1  cup water
• 1  tablespoon baking soda
•  coarse salt (optional)
• 2  tablespoons butter, melted (optional)

Directions

1. In a small bowl, combine yeast and warm water.
2. Let stand for 5 minutes while you prepare the next step.
3. In a large bowl, place the brown sugar, 1 cup flour and the yeast mixture (when it is ready).
4. Mix well.
5. Then, stir in enough of the all-purpose flour to make a soft dough.
6. Turn dough onto a well-floured surface and knead for about 3 minutes.
7. Cover and let rest 20 minutes.
8. Cut dough into 12 pieces.
9. Roll each into a 12-15-inch long rope and shape into pretzels.
10. In a shallow bowl, add 1 tablespoon baking soda to 1 cup water.
11. Dip each finished pretzel shape quickly into water, shaking off excess.
12. Place immediately on greased baking sheet. Sprinkle with salt (if desired).
13. Bake at 475 degrees for 6 minutes or until golden brown.
14. Remove from pan quickly and serve with melted butter brushed on top, or with your favorite dip.