Soft Pretzels

Ingredients

• •4 cups flour
• •2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
• •1 1/2 cups warm water
• •1/2 cup baking soda, baked (see step 1)
• •3 tbsp melted butter
• •Coarse salt for topping

Steps

1. 1.Spread the baking soda in a thin layer on a foil-lined baking sheet and bake at 250°F for 1 hour, stirring once - this converts it into a stronger alkaline that gets much closer to a traditional lye bath.
2. 2.Mix the flour, yeast, and warm water into a dough; knead for 5 minutes and let rise for 30 minutes.
3. 3.Divide into ropes and shape into pretzels.
4. 4.Dissolve the baked baking soda in a pot of simmering water, then boil each pretzel briefly, about 20-30 seconds per side, and place on a baking sheet.
5. 5.Brush with melted butter, sprinkle with coarse salt, and bake at 425°F for 12-15 minutes until deep golden-brown.