Soft Pretzels I

Directions

Ingredients :

1 ⅓ cups warm water (110 degrees F/45 degrees C)

2 tablespoons margarine

1 ½ tablespoons white sugar

¾ teaspoon salt

4 cups all-purpose flour

2 ½ teaspoons active dry yeast

4 cups water

1 ½ tablespoons baking soda

2 tablespoons kosher salt

Methods :

In a large bowl, dissolve the yeast and sugar in the warm water. Proof for 5 minutes.

Mix in butter or margarine, flour, and salt. Cut dough into short strips, roll into ropes, and shape into pretzels. Cover, and let rise on a greased baking sheet for about 45 minutes.

In a cast iron or other nonaluminum pan, bring water and baking soda almost to a boil. Gently lower pretzels into water for about 1 minute, turning once. Do not let water come to a full boil. Remove pretzels, and return to greased baking sheet. Sprinkle with kosher salt.

Bake at 475 degrees F (245 degrees C) for about 12 minutes.