Soft Pretzels

Directions

1. 1
   Place an oven rack in the center of the oven.
2. 2
   Preheat the oven to 425 degrees.
3. 3
   Spray the 2 baking sheets with the cooking oil.
4. 4
   Pour the warm water into a large mixing bowl, sprinkle yeast over the water and let stand for about 5 minutes.
5. 5
   Stir until completely dissolved.
6. 6
   Add sugar, table salt, and 1 cup of flour; stir until blended.
7. 7
   Add 2 more cups of flour a 1/2 cup at a time, stirring to blend after each addition.
8. 8
   The dough should be well blended.
9. 9
   Sprinkle some flour over a clean kitchen surface or board.
10. 10
    Turn the dough onto the floured surface. Knead until the dough is smooth and elastic, sprinkling with flour if the dough is sticky.
11. 11
    Pull the dough into 12 equal pieces.Roll 1 piece into a rope about 15 inches or any length you desire, depending on the size of the heart you want to make. Put the pretzel on a baking sheet and continue with the remaining dough.
12. 12
    Beat the egg in a small bowl and add 1 tablespoon of water.Beat together.
13. 13
    Brush the egg wash over each pretzel using a pastry brush.
14. 14
    Sprinkle the coarse salt over the pretzels with your finger.
15. 15
    Bake until golden brown, about 15-20 minutes.
16. 16
    Allow to cool on a baking rack before serving.