Pretzels

Based on http://www.geniuskitchen.com/recipe/real-homemade-soft-pretzels-130301 and Andrew P’s comments from a 2017 comment

Personal rating:

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp yeast
• 1 tbsp white sugar
• 2 cups warm water (microwaved for 30 seconds)
• 4 cups flour
• 1 cup flour, mixed with 1 tbsp. salt
• ~1/2 tbsp Olive Oil for bowl when proofing
• 6 cups water + 1/3 cup baking soda
• Toppings: extra coarse salt / cinnamon and brown sugar

Recipe

• In large bowl, stir yeast, sugar and warm water. Let rest until yeast is dissolved and is a little foamy
• With a wood spoon, stir in flour one cup at a time. Then add the salt and flour mixture
• Prepare a floured cutting board and knead until smooth (3-4 minutes)
• Add ~1/2 tbsp oil to the original bowl and roll around until coated
• Cover the bowl and proof until doubled in size (about ~60 minutes depending on temp)
• Remove and briefly knead. Cut into 8 pieces, roll each piece into 30-36” long ropes
  • Carefully stretch and roll to avoid tearing
  • Once long enough, loop, rotate, and pinch down in a pretzel shape
  • Transfer to a lightly greased light colored baking sheet
• Cover with a towel and let rise for 15 minutes
• Meanwhile, start bowling the water and baking soda
• With a spatula and slotted spoon carefully dip each pretzel for 30 seconds. Return to the baking sheet
• Sprinkle with the selected toppings
• Bake for 21 minutes at 425F (preheat as needed)