1 package active dry yeast or 1 cake yeast dissolved into 1 1/2 cups of warm water. Add 1 teaspoon salt and 1 tablespoon sugar. Blend in 4 cups of flour. Knead dough until smooth on lightly floured surface for 10 minutes. Cut into small pieces. Roll into ropes and twist into desired shape.

Place on lightly greased cookie sheets. Brush pretzel with 1 beaten egg. Sprinkle with coarse salt. Bake immediately at 425 degrees for 12-15 minutes. For hard pretzels, use only 1 1/4 cups water and add 1/4 cup melted butter. Make pretzels smaller and bake until brown.