*  Exported from  MasterCook  *

                              soft pretzels

Recipe By     : Laurie (from Joy of Cooking)
Serving Size  : 12   Preparation Time :0:00
Categories    : Breads                           Breads With Yeast

  Amount  Measure       Ingredient -- Preparation Method
--------  ------------  --------------------------------
   1      cup           warm water
   1      Tablespoon    dry yeast
   2 3/4  cups          flour -- divided
   2      Tablespoons   soft butter/margarine
     1/2  teaspoon      salt
   4      cups          water
   5      Tablespoons   baking soda
                        coarse salt

*see notes

Allow yeast and water to soften in large bowl.   

Beat together for at least 3 minutes:  yeast mixture, half the flour,
butter/margarine, table salt, and sugar.   After gluten is formed, add
remaining flour and mix/knead until the dough loses its stickiness.

Let rise in greased bowl until doubled in bulk.   After punching down, divide
into 12 pieces.   Roll into 18" 'snakes' and shape for pretzels.  Place on
greased baking sheet and allow to rise until almost double.

Preheat oven to 475°

Bring water and baking soda to a boil in a non-aluminum pan.  Using slotted
spoon, gently lower raised pretzels into boiling water for about 1 minute or
until they float.  

Return to greased baking sheet and sprinkle with coarse salt as desired.  Bake
for about 12 minutes.

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NOTES: Or, put first 5 ingredients into bread machine and procede with
shaping after machine has done the work!