Soft Pretzels

Use a bread maker that has a "dough" setting then transfer to a large bowl to rise.

FIRST add the following to the bread maker bowl/mixing bowl:

4 tsp yeast

2 TBSP brown sugar

1 1/4 cup hot water

Then ADD in order:

5 c. flour
1/2 c. sugar
1 1/2 tsp salt
2 TBSP olive oil or veg oil

1/2 c. milk scolded

Transfer to larger bowl sprayed with oil. Let rise until double in size (about 30 min)

Get a pot and add:

2 cups water to boiling. Turn to medium low and add

1/4 c. baking soda (slowly because it will fuzz up fast)

Shape dough into desired shape (pretzel shapes or my favorite BITE SIZE about 1-2" long) and place into hot soda water for about 30 seconds. (while making the other pretzel works good too, or you can make all your pretzels and dip them in) Place on greased cookie sheets. Let rise in a warm area 30-45 min.

Preheat oven 425 BAKE 8 min.

After baking spread melted butter over tops and LIGHTLY sprinkle with salt.
OPTIONAL you can add: garlic and Parmesan cheese to the melted butter.

Dip in softened cream cheese.