Dough
3 1/2 - 4 c. sifted flour
2 tsp. salt
1 tbsp. softened butter
1 1/2 c. warm water
1 package dry yeast
1 tsp. granulated sugar olive oil sea salt
1 egg yolk
Pour warm water in a bowl; whisk in yeast and sugar and set aside for 8-10 minutes, until it bubbles.
In a separate bowl, mix together flour, salt and butter.
Add yeast to flour and mix until everything is incorporated.
Knead dough on a floured board for 7-8 minutes.
Coat a clean bowl with olive oil.
Transfer dough to the bowl, cover with a towel and set in a warm place to rise until it doubles in size.
This should take about an hour.
Preheat oven 450 F.
Prepare two cookie sheets with parchment paper and set aside.
Bring ten cups of water to a boil while forming pretzels.
Cut dough into 8 equal pieces.
Roll each piece of dough on a floured surface to form a 12” rope about 1 “ thick.
Bring the ends up forming a U, twist and bring ends back down. See pictures for reference.
Soda Bath 10 c. boiling water 1/2 c. baking soda
Carefully add baking soda to boiling water; submerge pretzels in water for 30 seconds, remove with a slotted spoon and place on baking sheets.
Brush pretzels with egg yolk, sprinkle with sea salt and bake for 15-20 minutes.
Serve warm with mustard and or cheese sauce.
Makes 8 large pretzels.
