2 c. warm water
2 pkgs. yeast
1/3 c. sugar
2 tsp. salt
1/4 c. soft butter or oil
1 egg (beaten)
6 1/2 c. flour (approx.)

Put water in large warm bowl. Sprinkle in yeast. Stir. Add sugar, salt, oil, beaten egg and 3 cups flour. Beat until smooth. Add enough additional flour to make stiff dough. Cover bowl tightly with aluminum foil and refrigerate for 2- 24 hours.

Turn dough onto lightly floured board. Divide in half. Cut each half into 16 equal pieces. Roll each into 20 inch long pencil shape. Shape into pretzels. Place on lightly greased baking sheet.

Blend 1 egg yolk and 2 tbsp. water and brush pretzels. Sprinkle with coarse salt. Bake at 400 degrees 20-25 minutes. Remove from baking sheet. Cool on wire racks.