1 1/4 c. warm water
1 pkg. yeast
1/2 tsp. sugar
3 1/2 c. white flour
1 beaten egg
1 tbsp. water
Sesame seeds
Salt

Mix yeast and sugar with 1/4 cup water. Set aside until bubbly. Place flour and yeast mixture into a mixing bowl and blend to form a dough. Knead on a floured surface for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place in a greased bowl; cover and let rise for 1-1 1/2 hours.

Punch down and shape the pretzels as follows: Divide dough into 12 pieces and shape into sticks, 6 inches long, or divide dough into 10 pieces and shape into knots.

Place on greased cookie sheets. Cover and let rise for 45 minutes. Glaze with 1 egg, beaten with 1 tablespoon of water. Sprinkle tops of pretzels with coarse salt or sesame seeds. Preheat oven to 475 degrees and bake for 10 minutes. Cool and store in airtight container.