Chewy Bread Pretzels - cooking recipe

Ingredients

1 (1/4 oz.) pkg. active dry yeast
1 1/2 c. warm water (100~ to 115~)
1 Tbsp. sugar
2 tsp. salt
4 c. all-purpose flour
1 egg, beaten
coarse salt (optional)

Preparation

In a large bowl, dissolve yeast in water.
Add sugar and salt. Blend in flour, one cup at a time, to form a soft dough.
Turn out onto a floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, about 5 minutes.
Place dough in a greased bowl, turning once to grease top.
Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour.
Punch dough down and divide into 15 equal portions.
Roll each portion into a 14-inch rope.
Shape into traditional pretzel shape and place on a greased baking sheet.
Brush pretzels with egg and sprinkle with salt, if desired.
Cover and let rise 15 minutes.
Bake at 425\u00b0 for 15 minutes.
Makes 15 pretzels.