1 1/4 c. warm water
1 pkg. yeast
1/2 tsp. sugar
3 1/2 c. white flour
1 beaten egg
1 tbsp. water
Sesame seeds
Salt

Mix yeast and sugar with 1/4 cup sugar. Set aside until bubbly. Place flour and yeast mixture into a mixing bowl and blend to form a dough. Knead on a floured surface for about 5 minutes, until smooth and elastic. Place in a greased bowl, cover, let rise 1-1 1/2 hours. Punch down and shape the pretzels as follows:

Divide dough into 12 pieces and shape into sticks 6 feet long (OR) divide dough into 10 pieces and shape into knots.

Place on greased cookie sheets. Cover and let rise 45 minutes. Glaze with 1 egg beaten with 1 tablespoon of water. Sprinkle tops of pretzels with coarse salt or sesame seeds. Preheat oven to 475 degrees and bake for 10 minutes. Cool and store in airtight container. Serves 12.