• In a small bowl combine yeast, 2 tsp white sugar, and warm water.
• Let stand for 10 minutes.
• In a large bowl, combine 3½ cups flour, ½ cup sugar, and 2 tsp salt.
  
• Add in oil and yeast mixture.
  

I’ve created a yeast monster!

• Mix to form a dough ball and knead in ½ cup of flour.
  

This was such a pretty dough to knead by hand. It was smooth and elastic. But if you don’t want to do that, you can do the first 6 steps in a mixer using a dough hook.

• Knead until dough is elastic and smooth, 8 minutes.
• Lightly oil a large bowl and place dough ball inside and cover and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour.
• Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
• Bring water to a light boil.
• Dissolve baking soda in hot water and remove from heat.
• Divide dough into 12 pieces.
  
• Roll out each piece into a rope and twist into pretzel shape.
  

I couldn’t remember how pretzels are shaped…I give you three options, but pretzel sticks, bits, twists are just as good too!

• Dip each pretzel into baking soda water and place on a greased baking sheet.
  

Don’t leave out the baking soda bath, it is essential for the browning of the pretzel and the hard exterior and soft interior.

• Sprinkle with salt.
  
• Bake for 9 minutes.
  
• Cool on a wire rack.