1 pkg. active dry yeast
1 1/4 c. hot water
2 tsp. salt
4-5 c. flour
Butter or oil
4 tsp. baking soda
Coarse salt

Dissolve yeast thoroughly in 1/4 cup warm water. Stir in additional water. Mix 4 cups flour and salt in large bowl. Add dissolved yeast. Add enough extra flour to make a stiff dough. Knead until smooth, about 10 minutes. Roll dough into a ball. Place in greased bowl, turn to coat top. Cover with towel. Let rise in warm place, until doubled in bulk, about 45 minutes. Pinch off small dough piece. Roll between your hands to form a coil. Shape into a pretzel. Dissolve baking soda in 4 cups water. Bring to a boil. Drop pretzels, one at a time, into boiling water. Boil 1 minute or until pretzel floats. Remove; drain. Put drained pretzels on buttered cookie sheet. Sprinkle with salt. Bake at 475 degrees for 12 minutes.