Pennsylvania Dutch Pretzels

By Fleur de lis

Ingredients

• 4 cups unsifted flour
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1 package dry yeast
• 1 1/2 cup very warm water (120-130 degrees)
• 1 qt water
• 3 Tbsp baking soda
• coarse salt

Preparation

Step 1

In large bowl of mixer, mix 1 1/2 cup flour, the yeast, sugar and 1/2 tsp salt. With mixer at low add 1 1/2 cups very warm water. Beat 3 minutes at medium. Gradually add the rest of the flour. Turn out onto floured board and knead 5 mins. Place in a greased bowl, turn greased side dough out into pencil shapes and knot, forming pretzel shape. Cover and let rise on floured board for 30 mins. Boil 1 quart water and the baking soda in a skillet. Put each pretzel in the water and simmer 20 seconds. Place on well greased cookie sheet, salt and bake at 400 for 15 minutes.