You asked for it! Soft Pretzels!

Prep time, 1 hour, 40 minutes

Bake time, 10 minutes

Ready in 2 hours

3 to 3 1/2 c all purpose or unbleached flour, divided (can use 1/2 and 1/2 with whole wheat flour as well)

1 tbsp sugar

1 tsp salt

1 (1/4 oz) dry active yeast

1 c water

1 tbsp shortening

6 c water

1/4 c baking soda

pretzel salt, sesame seeds, poppy seeds, etc.

In a medium bowl, combine 1 c flour, sugar, salt and yeast; blending well. Heat 1 cup water and shortening in a small sauce pan to 100-110*f. Add water mixture to flour mixture. With an electric mixer, blend at low speed until moistened. Beat 2 minutes at medium speed. Stir, by hand, and additional 1 1/2-1 3/4 cups of flour, or until dough pulls cleanly away from the sides of the bowl. Knead in 1/2-3/4 cup flour on a floured surface, until dough is smooth and elastic. Place dough in a greased bowl, turning once. Cover loosely with plastic wrap and cover with a tea towel. Let rise in a warm place until light and doubled in size, about 45 minutes.

Spray 2 cookie sheets with non stick spray. Punch down dough. Divide into 12 pieces. Roll each piece into a 16 inch rope. Form into pretzel shape (if ends won't stick to the middle of the knot, use a drop or 2 of water to bind). Place on greased cookie sheets. Cover and let rise again for 15-20 minutes.

Adjust baking rack to top position and heat to 375* (non stick and dark sheets)/ 400* (light/glass sheets). Combine 6 cups of water and baking soda in a shallow sided sauce pan. Bring to a gentle boil. Slowly drop pretzels into water, one at a time, cooking 15 seconds on each side. Remove from water with a slotted spoon and return to the baking sheet. Sprinkle with desired topping.

Bake for 8-10 minutes or until golden brown. Immediately remove from baking sheet. Best served warm.

Makes fabulous 12 pretzels!

This recipe was on the side of a flour bag. (not my photo)