PA Dutch Soft Pretzels

Directions

1. In a small bowl, sprinkle yeast over 1/4 c. warm water and let stand 5 minutes until softened. Stir in 3/4 c. cold water.
2. In a food processor, combine flour and salt; process to mix. With machine on, pour yeast mixture through feed tube. Process until dough cleans sides of bowl and forms a ball. Add additional flour or water 1 tsp at a time, if needed, if dough is too moist or dry. Process 45 seconds to knead. Place dough in a floured 1-gallon food storage bag, seal bag, and let dough rise in a warm place for 30 minutes.
3. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. In a pie plate, whisk 1/2 c cold water and baking soda. Punch down dough and divide into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a 20-inch rope.
4. Form each rope into a pretzel shape. Dip pretzels in dissolved baking soda and place on a greased baking sheet 2 inches apart. Sprinkle coarse salt over pretzels.
5. Bake 15-20 minutes, until browned. Let cool slightly on a wire rack. Serve warm.