Soft Pretzels

Directions

1. 1
   Mix water and sugar until sugar is dissolved.
2. 2
   Sprinkle with yeast.
3. 3
   Mix egg and melted butter
4. 4
   Mix flour, pepper, butter and salt.
5. 5
   Pour 1.5 cups flour into water and mix to create a thick paste.
6. 6
   Mix for 8 minutes by doing a paddling type stroke to lift the dough slightly work the gluten.
7. 7
   Once done, add all but 1/4 cup flour and mix.
8. 8
   Flour surface with remaining flour and knead for two or three minutes.
9. 9
   Let rise for 1/2 hour.
10. 10
    Cut into a dozen and a half pieces and shape each into a pretzel or pretzel stick.
11. 11
    Mix egg white and water.
12. 12
    Brush over pretzels.
13. 13
    Sprinkle with salt or sesame seeds.
14. 14
    Bake at 375'F for 15 to 20 minutes or until golden.