Soft Pretzel Recipe

Since I never could remember to bring this for my friends at CBS, here it is online:)

¼ cup very warm water
4 T. brown sugar
1 T. yeast

¾ cup very warm water
1 tsp. salt
3 cups flour

2 tsp. baking soda mixed with 1 cup hot water (in a small bowl)

¼ cup melted butter
Sea salt or cinnamon/sugar

Dissolve brown sugar and yeast in ¼ cup warm water. When activated, combine with all ingredients and mix/knead until a smooth dough forms. The dough should be stiff but not sticky. Add additional flour if sticky.

To make pretzels, divide into six to twelve pieces. Roll each piece into a rope, very thin, a little bigger than a pencil. Shape into an upside down "U" on your table. Bring the ends together and twist them. Flatten the ends and bring to the top of the pretzel and press in the dough to secure making it look like a pretzel. Place on a greased cookie sheet.

To make pretzel bites, roll out dough and cut into 12 long strips. Place on greased cookie sheet.

Let pretzels raise for 45 minutest or until about double in size. Preheat oven to 450 degrees. For pretzel bites, cut strips into bite sized pieces. Dip the pretzels in the water-soda solution. Remove with slotted spoon and place on greased cookie sheet.

Bake at 450 degrees for 9 to 12 minutes or until golden brown. (To freeze and finish later, cook for 4 minutes at this point then freeze.)

Brush with melted butter and sprinkle with sea salt or cinnamon/sugar.