Pretzels

Ingredients:

1 (1/4 ounce) package active dry yeast
4 cups unbleached flour
1 1/2 cups water (110-120 degrees)
1 large egg, beaten
1 teaspoon salt
1 dash coarse salt
1 tablespoon sugar

Directions:

1 Dissolve yeast in warm water.
2 Add salt and sugar to yeast mixture.
3 Blend in flour and knead dough until smooth, about 7 to 8 minutes.
4 Cover and let dough rise until double in bulk.
5 Punch down.
6 Cut dough into small pieces and roll into ropes.
7 Twist ropes into pretzel shapes and place on greased cookie sheet.
8 Using a pastry brush, brush pretzels with egg and sprinkle with coarse salt.
9 Allow pretzels to rise until almost double in bulk.
10 Bake at 425°F.
11 For 10 to 15 minutes or until browned.
12 Best if eaten immediately.
13 If not, store in airtight container.