Chewy Mall Pretzels - cooking recipe

Ingredients

1 (1/4 ounce) package active dry yeast
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 1/8 teaspoons salt
1 1/2 cups water (110 degrees)
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup bread flour
2 cups water (110 degrees)
2 tablespoons baking soda
2 -3 tablespoons butter, melted
2 tablespoons kosher salt

Preparation

In a large mixing bowl, dissolve the yeast, brown sugar and salt in 1 1/2 cups warm water.
Stir in flour, and knead dough on a floured surface until smooth and elastic, about 8 minutes.
Place in a greased bowl, and turn to coat the surface.
Cover, and let rise for one hour.
Combine 2 cups warm water and baking soda in an 8 inch square pan.
After dough has risen, cut into 12 pieces.
Roll each piece into a 3 foot rope, pencil thin or thinner.
Twist into a pretzel shape, and dip into the baking soda solution.
Place on greased or sprayed cookie sheets.
Brush pretzels with melted butter and sprinkle with garlic powder, parmesan cheese, sugar/cinnamon, coarse salt, etc.
(get creative;) Let rise 15 to 20 minutes.
Bake at 450 degrees for 8 to 10 minutes, or until golden brown.
Brush with additional melted butter, if desired.