1 pkg. yeast
1 c. warm water
1 tbsp. melted butter
1 tbsp. sugar
1 tsp. salt
3 c. flour
Egg (to brush)

Put yeast and warm water in a bowl. Stir until yeast dissolves. Add all other ingredients. Knead dough until smooth (about 5 minutes). Cover and place in a warm place (200 degree oven) to rise until doubled in size.

Divide dough - 6 or 7 pieces for pretzels - 3 pieces for mini loaves. Shape each piece. Brush with beaten egg. Sprinkle with coarse salt if desired. Place on greased cookie sheet or in greased mini loaf pans.

Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes for pretzels; at 400 degrees for 30 or 40 minutes for bread. Brush bread with butter immediately after baking to avoid hardened crust.