Soft Pretzels II

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups warm water (105-115 degrees F)
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 1 package active dry yeast
• 4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 ounces (4 tablespoons) unsalted butter, melted
• Vegetable oil, for pan
• 10 cups water
• 2/3 cup baking soda
• 1 large egg yolk beaten with 1 tablespoon water
• Coarse salt, for sprinkling

Directions

1. In a small bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, kosher salt, and yeast. Stir to combine and let sit for 5 minutes.
2. In a large bowl, combine the flour and melted butter. Slowly add the yeast mixture to the flour/butter mixture and mix until a soft dough forms.
3. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes. Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour.
4. Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and lightly grease with vegetable oil.
5. Bring the 10 cups of water and the baking soda to a rolling boil in a large pot or deep skillet.
6. Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces and roll each piece into a long rope, about 24 inches long. Make a U shape with the rope, holding the ends of the rope, cross them over each other and press onto the bottom of the U in order to form the shape of a pretzel.
7. Place the pretzels onto the parchment paper-lined baking sheets. Brush the tops of the pretzels with the beaten egg yolk and water mixture and sprinkle with the coarse salt.
8. Boil each pretzel in the baking soda water for 30 seconds. Remove them from the water using a large flat spatula.
9. Bake the pretzels for 12 to 14 minutes, until they’re a deep golden brown.
10. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving.

Interesting Facts

• Soft pretzels are believed to have originated in Europe in the 12th century.
• Philadelphia is home to the largest pretzel bakery in the world.
• Soft pretzels are a popular street food in Germany.
• The classic Philly-style soft pretzel is made from a simple dough of flour, water, salt, yeast, and baking soda.