Finally the Right Recipe!

  Ingredients 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons water (70° to 80°), divided 3 cups all-purpose flour 3 tablespoons brown sugar 1-1/2 teaspoons active dry yeast 2 quarts water 1/2 cup baking soda  Coarse Salt Directions In a bread machine pan, place 1 cup water and next 3 ingredients in order suggested by manufacturer. Select dough setting. Check dough after 5 minutes of mixing; add 1 to 2 tablespoons water or flour if needed. When cycle is completed, turn dough onto a lightly floured surface. Divide dough into 8 balls. Roll each into a 20-in. rope; form into pretzel shape.  Preheat oven to 425°. In a large saucepan, bring 2 quarts water and the baking soda to a boil. Drop pretzels into boiling water, 2 at a time; boil for 10-15 seconds. Remove with a slotted spoon; drain on paper towels. Place pretzels on greased baking sheets. Bake until golden brown, 8-10 minutes. Spritz or lightly brush with remaining 2 Tbsp. water. Sprinkle with salt. Drop in a fryer at 350 degrees for 30 seco...

Ingredients 1 1/2 cups warm water 1 tablespoon white sugar 5 teaspoons active dry yeast 4 cups all-purpose flour 1/4 cup melted butter 1 teaspoon coarse salt 1 egg, beaten coarse salt to taste Directions Preheat oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C). Mix water and sugar together in a bowl until sugar is dissolved; add yeast. Let mixture stand until the yeast softens and begins to form a creamy foam, about 5 minutes. Whisk flour, butter, and salt together in a bowl until well mixed; add yeast mixture and stir with a fork until dough starts to cling. Turn dough onto a floured work surface and knead until smooth. Cut dough into 15 equal pieces and roll each piece between your hands into rope shapes at least the thickness of a pencil. Twist dough into desired shapes and arrange on a baking sheet; brush with egg and sprinkle coarse salt over each. Bake in the preheated oven until pretzels are browned and cooked through 8 to 12 minutes.