Ingredients

1 1/2 cups very warm water

1 pkg. fast-rising years (a little less than 1 T.)

1 1/2 t. sugar

1 1/2 t. salt

3-4 cups sifted flour (maybe a little more)

1 beaten raw egg to brush on top

Preparation

  1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees
  2. In a very large bowl, mix warm water, sugar, and salt
  3. Add yeast and stir until dissolved
  4. Stir in the flour one cup at a time until dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl and clings to the wooden mixing spoon
  5. Begin to knead the entire dough until it holds together
  6. Knead the dough for 10 minutes. You will need to add in a little more flour every now and then when it seems to get sticky (flour both your hands and the counter)
  7. Divide the dough into smaller sections and then roll the dough
  8. Roll the dough and shape the dough into pretzel shapes
  9. Place on a slightly floured cookie sheet
  10. Brush the top of the braid with beaten egg and sprinkle with a small amount of salt on the top
  11. Bake at 400 degrees for about 12 minutes or until golden brown
  12. Remove from baking sheet onto a cooling rack for a few minutes