I don’t know about anyone else but I love soft pretzels dipped in mustard. I really don’t get to have them that often but every now and then the craving hits and I make these to enjoy. The kids love helping to shape the pretzels too.

Ingredients:

Step 1:

• 2 packets active dry yeast or 4-5 teaspoons
• 1 t. sugar
• 1 1/4 cups warm water 

Step 2:

• 5 c. all-purpose flour
• 1/2 c. sugar
• 1 1/2 t.salt
• 1 T. oil

Step 3:

• 1/2 c. baking soda
• 4 c. hot water
• 1/4-1/2 c. coarse salt, for top

Directions:

Step 1:

Mix together the first 3 ingredients. Let stand until foamy, about 10-15 minutes.

Step 2:

Mix together flour, remaining sugar, and the regular salt in a large bowl.

Make a well in the center. Pour in the yeast mixture and the oil.

Mix until it forms a soft dough, adding a little more water as needed.

Flour a surface and knead the dough until smooth, about 7 to 8 minutes.

Oil a large clean bowl and place the ball of dough into the bowl. Turn to coat all sides of the ball. 

Cover and let rise for about 1 hour or until doubled.

Step 3:

Preheat oven to 450 degrees.

Grease 2 baking sheets.

Mix the baking soda and hot water together. Stir until the baking soda is dissolved.

Place the risen dough onto a lightly floured surface and divide into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a rope and twist into a pretzel shape.

Take each pretzel and dip into the baking soda mixture. Place pretzels on baking sheets.

Sprinkle with coarse salt.

Bake for 8-10 minutes or until browned.

Enjoy!