2 tbsp. hot water
1 pkg. dry yeast
1 1/3 c. warm water
1/3 c. brown sugar
5 c. flour, about
Coarse kosher salt
Baking soda

1. In large bowl, mix hot water and yeast until yeast dissolves. Stir in the warm water and brown sugar. Slowly add 5 cups flour, beating well. Turn out onto lightly floured board and knead until smooth and elastic, about 10 minutes.

2. Grease 2 cookie sheets well. Sprinkle with coarse kosher salt; set aside.

3. Fill a frying pan with water. Add 1 tablespoon baking soda for each cup of water. Bring water to a gentle boil.

4. Pinch a piece of pretzel dough about the size of a golf ball. Roll into a rope about 14" long. Twist into pretzel shape.

5. Gently lower pretzels into simmering water. Count slowly to 30. Lift pretzels onto cookie sheet. Sprinkle with additional salt.

4. Bake at 475 degrees about 8 minutes or until pretzels are golden.