Pretzel Recipe

hey everyone!

we're going to make pretzels and it reminded me that i promised you all the recipe. here it is:

Soft Schmeckt Pretzels

2 pkgs. ¼ oz packages of dry yeast
1 tsp white sugar
1 ¼ c. warm water
4-5 c. flour
½ c. white sugar
1 tsp salt
1 T vegetable oil

1/4 c. baking soda
2 c. hot water
Kosher salt

Dissolve yeast and sugar in water ~ let stand for 5-10 min, until bubbly. In mixing bowl, mix flour, sugar and salt. Add oil and yeast mixture. Mix until smooth dough forms. Knead on low speed for 8-10 min. Lightly oil large bowl, turn dough out into bowl, turning so it gets coated with oil. Cover with plastic wrap. Place in warm area to rise for 1 hour.
Preheat oven to 450. in large bowl, dissolve baking soda and water.
Divide dough in 12 equal pieces, then roll into 20” long strips and form into pretzels. After each pretzel is shaped, quickly dip into water/soda mixture and place on greased cookie sheet. Sprinkle with kosher salt. Bake for 8 minutes on TOP rack.

Ideas:
Make pretzels thicker and cut in half to make a sandwich roll.
Dip in melted butter and coat with cinnamon sugar mixture
Before baking, sprinkle with salt and parmesan cheese and basil.