Scrumptious Soft Pretzels

Ingredients for Dough:

5 cups unbleached all-purpose flour

4 tsps. active dry yeast

1.5 cups hot water

1.5 tsps. salt

1 tbsp. vegetable oil

1/2 cup granulated sugar (plus 1 tsp. to help activate yeast)

Ingredients for Wash:

4 cups hot water

1/2 baking soda

 Kosher Salt for topping

Directions:

Step 1: In a measuring cup add 1.5 cups hot water and 1 tsp. sugar, sprinkle 4 tsps. active dry yeast on top.  Let sit for 10 minutes until slightly foamy.

Step 2: Using your mixer with the dough hook attachment blend the flour, salt and sugar for 30 seconds on a medium speed. Then add vegetable oil and yeast mixture.  Mix together everything is incorporated and nothing is sticking to the side of the mixing bowl.  (You might need to add water a tbsp. at a time until ingredients come together, be careful not to add to much) Let the dough hook kneed the dough for 3-4 minutes.

Step 3: Preheat your oven to 450 degrees.  Remove dough into a large bowl and cover, let rise until doubled in bulk (about an hour).

Step 4: Remove dough onto a  lightly floured surface and roll with your hands into a large log shape.  Using a large knife cut into 12-15 even pieces. Using your hands, roll into a long piece just as pictured and form pretzel shape.

Step 5: Using a rectangle baking dish (I like to use a Pyrex container) pour 4 cups hot water and 1/2 cup baking soda. Then mix together to dissolve.  Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper and dip each pretzel. (Make sure to turn pretzel over to cover both sides) Then place on the lined baking sheets about 1-2 inches apart.  



Step 6: Sprinkle with kosher salt and bake for 5-7 minutes golden brown.  Remove and enjoy!