Soft Pretzels

OK, well since, I am originally from Philly, besides pizza, I also love soft pretzels!  Of course, these are both full of carbs and probably should be avoided, however, if I am going to eat either one, I want the real thing!!  There is not a place anywhere near my present home to find any soft pretzels, UNLESS of course, I want to take a 3 hour ride to the mall!  Instead, here is an awesome recipe that tastes great.  My friend Malissa found this recipe in Mary Janes Farm - Sentimental Journeys Magazine, and she passed it onto me (thankfullly).  These pretzels are wonderful.  I have been making them nearly every Sunday afternoon since I've been given the recipe for my hubby & kids to enjoy, and they gobble them up.   To my surprise Mary Janes Farm Magazine is out of Idaho, my current state of residence.

Soft Pretzel Recipe
Makes 8
1 1/2 cups warm water (105-110')
2 1/2 teaspoons dry yeast
1 tablespoon sugar
3 1/2 cups all purpose flour (plus additional)
1 tablespoon salt
1 tablespoon baking soda
1 egg
Course sea salt or kosher salt
Melted butter (optional)

In a bowl, combine the yeast, water and sugar.  Let sit for about 5 minutes until foamy.  In another bowl, combine flour and salt.  Add to yeast mixture with a wooden spoon until dough forms.   With hands, continue to work in flour mixture until a ball forms.

Turn dough onto flour dusted surface and knead to make a smooth sticky dough, about 8 minutes.  Place dough in a greased bowl and cover.  Set in a warm place for about 45 minutes to 1 hour until doubled in size.

Preheat oven to 400' F.  Bring a large pot of water to a boil, then add baking soda to it, stir well.  Turn dough onto floured surface and divide into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece of dough into a rope about 18 to 20 inches long.  Shape rope into desired pretzel shape and place on a parchment lined baking sheet. 

With a slotted spoon, place 3 pretzels into the boiling water and parboil for 3 minutes, flipping one time.  Drain well and transfer back to baking sheet, repeat for remaining pretzels.  Once finished, add egg with 1 tablespoon water and mix well.  Brush pretzels generously with egg wash and sprinkle with sea or kosher salt, then place in heated oven.  Bake for 25 minutes.  Immediately brush with melted butter (if desired) and serve.  ENJOY!!!