1 1/3 c. warm water
1 pkg. yeast
3 1/2 to 4 1/2 c. flour
1/2 tsp. salt
1 tbsp. sugar
1 egg
2 to 3 tbsp. rock salt or margarita salt

Pour water into large mixing bowl, sprinkle yeast on top of the water and stir until well blended.

Add 1 cup of flour, salt and sugar to the yeast mixture; beat with wooden spoon.

Add the rest of the flour, 1 cup at a time, until you have soft workable dough.

Knead dough for 5 to 7 minutes.

Cut dough in half; cut each half into 6 equal pieces.

With floured hands, roll dough back and fourth in the palms of hands to form a dough rope which is 12 to 15 inches long.

Place dough on greased baking pan, 3 inches apart and shape into a pretzel.

In a small bowl, mix together 1 egg and 1 tablespoon of water; brush on each pretzel, then sprinkle salt on pretzels (optional).

Bake at 400 degrees for 15 to 20 minutes or until golden brown.