Ingredients
- 4 - 4 1/2 c. flour divided
- 1 package active yeast
- 1 1/2 tsp. sugar
- 1 tsp. salt
- 1 1/2 c. very warm water
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 T. water
- coarse salt (optional)
Preparation
Step 1
Lightly grease a baking sheet. Have ready a pot of boiling salted water.
Put 2 cups of flour into a large bow. Add the yeast, sugar, salt and warm water. Mix well for 3 minutes, until very smooth. Gradually add the remaining 2 - 2 1/2 cups flour, kneading in as much flour as needed to make a smooth soft dough.
Divide the dough evenly into 16 pieces. Roll each piece between your hands to make a foot-long rope, and twist it into a pretzel shape.
Drop the pretzels a few at a time into the pot of boiling water and cook for 2 minutes, turning over once. Lift them out on a slotted spoon or spatula and set on a wire rack to drain, then transfer to the baking sheet.
Mix together the egg yolk and 1 T. of water, and brush onto each pretzel. Sprinkle with coarse salt if desired.
Bake at 400 for 18-20 minutes, until golden brown.