Soft Pretzels

Ingredients:

1 1/3 cup warm water (80-110 F degrees)

1 package (2 1/4 teaspoon) instant or active dry yeast

1/3 cup brown sugar (light or dark)

5 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 cup baking soda

9 cups water

Kosher salt (for sprinkling)

Directions: Yield 20-25 pretzels

-In a large mixing bowl, mix warm water and yeast together

-Stir in brown sugar

-Place dough on a mixer and gradually add flour, one cup at a time, until a ball of dough forms

-Turn onto floured surface and knead until smooth (10-15 minutes)

-Cut dough into golf ball sized pieces (about 20-25)

*cut into large pieces for larger pretzels

-Roll each piece into 1/2 inch thick worms and shape into pretzels

* I find lightly wetting the palms helps to roll dough out longer

-Preheat oven to 475 F degrees

-In a large pot bring 9 cups of water and baking soda to a boil

-Place pretzels in boiling water for 30 seconds each. Use a spatula with slits to scoop out the dough, letting the water fall back into the pot

*it is VERY important not to keep dough in the baking soda mixture for longer than 30 seconds or the taste will change

-Place pretzels on a greased pan or a pan lined with a silicone mat. Sprinkle with salt

-Bake for 8-10 minutes, until golden brown on edges

-Enjoy!