HOMEMADE SOFT PRETZELS

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 450 degrees F.
• Using an electric mixer fitted with a dough hook, place the hot water in a large mixing bowl, add 1 tablespoon sugar and let dissolve. Sprinkle the yeast over the water-and-sugar mixture and let it dissolve also.
• Add 5 cups flour and salt slowly until combined, about 30 seconds. Beat on medium speed until the sides pull away from the bowl. If dough is sticky add more flour. Transfer to floured board and knead 10 times until smooth.
• Pour oil into bowl and swirl to coat sides. Place dough in the bowl and place in a warm spot and let rise to double its size. Punch dough down and divide into 16 pieces.
• Roll one piece of dough at a time to 18" strips. Twist into a pretzel shape. Fill a large shallow pot with 2" of water and add baking soda. Heat to a gentle boil. Place 2-3 pretzels into water and poach for one minute. Repeat until all pretzels have poached. Place pretzels onto a cookie sheet sprayed with Pam. Brush pretzels with beaten egg and bake at 450 degrees for 12-15 minutes until golden.
• To top, spray with water and roll into salt, cinnamon and sugar, or spread a small amount of mustard onto top.