Beyza's Pretzels

Serves 4 - 8

Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups warm water

1 tab sugar

2 teas sea salt

1 packet dry yeast

4 1/2 cups plain flour

1/3 cup melted butter

10 cups water

2/3 cup baking soda

olive oil spray or vegetable oil spray

1 large egg yolk

some extra sea salt

Method:

•               Combine the water,sugar and salt in the bowl of a stand mixer(mix master) then add the yeast. 

•               Let them sit for 5 mins or until the mixture begins to foam.

•               Add the flour and butter,using the dough hook attachment,mix on low speed until well combined.

•               Change to medium speed,keep mixing it until the dough gets smooth.

•               Remove the dough from the bowl and then oil the bowl well.

•               Return the dough to the bowl,cover with plastic wrap sit in a warm place for approximately 50 to 55 mins or until the dough has doubled in size.

•               Preheat the oven 230C - 250C degrees.

•               Line 2 half - sheet pans with parchment paper and lightly brush with the oil.

•               Bring the 10 cups of water and the baking soda to a rolling in a saucepan or roasting pan.

•               In the meantime, turn the dough out onto a slightly oiled work surface and divide into 8 equal pieces.

•               Roll out each piece of dough into a rope.Make a U-shape with the rope, holding the ends of the rope, cross them over each other and press onto the bottom U in order to form the shape of a pretzel.

•               Place the pretzels into the boiling water,1 by 1,for 30seconds.

•               Remove them from the water using a large plat spatula.

•               Place them onto the parchment lined half sheet pan.

•               Brush the top of each pretzel with the beaten egg yolk and with the salt.

•               Bake until dark golden brown in colour.(approximately 12 to 14 mins)

Ps: DO NOT put the baking soda after the water boiled. Add the baking soda to the water and THEN boil it.