Serves: 5
Total Calories: 276
Yield: 12 Pretzels

1 tablespoon (1 packet) active dry yeast
1 teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups lukewarm water
3-4 cups white unbleached flour
1 egg plus 1 tablespoon cold water
coarse sea salt for sprinkling on top

1. Place the yeast, sugar, salt, and water in a large mixing bowl and stir with a wooden spoon. Add 2 cups of flour and beat with the spoon until well blended. Add more flour a little at a time until you can easily handle the dough. Knead for 5 minutes, or until the dough feels smooth and elastic. Shape into a ball.

2. Spread a little oil on the bottom and sides of the bowl. Add the ball of dough, then turn it over, oiled side up. Cover and set in a warm spot for an hour or more, or until the dough doubles in bulk. Lightly grease a large baking sheet and set aside.

3. Punch down the risen dough and cut into 12 equal pieces. (If you like extra-fat pretzels, cut 10 pieces.) Roll each piece into a rope about 16 to18 inches long and twist it into a pretzel shape. A traditional twist is shown in the illustration above. You can also simply tie the rope into a loose overhand knot to form two circles, then pinch the loose ends together.

4. Place the pretzels on the prepared baking sheet, leaving enough room between them to allow for expansion. Cover and let rise for 20 minutes.

5. In a small bowl, beat together the egg and water, brush some on each pretzel, and sprinkle with coarse salt. Place in a preheated 425°F oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the pretzels are the desired shade of golden brown. Cool on a wire rack before serving warm or at room temperature. When completely cooled, store the pretzels an airtight container.

TIP If you have to bake these pretzels in several batches, it is perfectly fine to do so-the short rising time won't do them any harm.

TIP Before twisting your pretzels into shape, practice on a piece of string! When forming the actual dough, dust your hands lightly with flour to make this job simpler.

Nutritional Facts:

Serves: 5
Total Calories: 276
Calories from Fat: 5

More Recipes from the Great Natural Breads Made Easy Cookbook:
Pita
Lavash
Pideh
Matzoh
Focaccia
Pizza Crust
Dinner Rolls
French-Style Hard Rolls
Whole Wheat Rolls
New York Bagels
Egg Bagels
Teething Biscuits
Soft Pretzels