1/2 c. warm water
1 tbsp. dry yeast
1 1/2 c. hot water
1/3 c. powdered milk
1 tbsp. honey
1 tsp. salt
2 tbsp. shortening
4 to 4 1/2 c. flour
4 c. boiling water
4 tsp. baking soda
1 egg

Stir together water and yeast. Let set for 10-15 minutes. Mix hot water, powdered milk, honey, salt and shortening in large bowl. After cooled to lukewarm, then add yeast mixture. Then add flour and knead until dough is smooth. Let rise about 1 hour, then punch down and let rise again for about 30 minutes.

Shape into pretzels. Boil in large pan boiling water and baking soda; bring all to a rapid boil. Then gently place 2-3 pretzels into it, let them cook for a minute or until they float. Lift them out and drain them. After all have been cooked and drained, place them on a greased baking sheet. Brush them with beaten egg and sprinkle on some coarse salt.

Let pretzels bake in a hot 450 degree oven for 12-15 minutes until golden brown.