Pretzels

Ingredients:
- active dry yeast 2tsp
- 1/2 tsp sugar
- 1/2 cup warm water
- 2 1/2 cup all purpose flour
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 3/4 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp oil
- 1/2 cup warm water
- 1/4 cup baking soda
- 2 cups hot water
- 2 tbsp butter (I used plain butter and herbed butter)
- salt to sprinkle on top of the pretzels

Directions:
1. Sprinkle the yeast in the warm water and add 1/2 tsp sugar. Let stand for 10 minutes or till it froths up.
2. In a bowl combine 2 1/2 cup all purpose flour, 1/4 cup sugar, and 3/4 tsp salt. Add the yeast mixture to the bowl and knead well.  I used my kitchen aid stand mixer to combine the ingredients. I had to add a little more water then called for.
3. Transfer the dough to a well oiled bowl and let rise for about an hour.
4. Preheat the oven to 400F. Divide the dough into 8 pieces.
5. Take each piece of dough and roll into a rope and twist into a pretzel shape.
6. Dissolve the baking soda in hot water. Dip the pretzels into the solution and place on a well greased tray. 
7. Bake for 10minutes. Then brush the pretzels with butter and sprinkle with salt.