Step 1

In a small bowl, add the water, sugar, yeast. Let sit for a few minutes until it starts to bubble. Meanwhile, in a mixer add the flour, salt, and baking powder and mix until blended.  And oil and yeast mixture. Mix until ball of dough forms, then mix for 1 more minute to knead the dough.

Step 2

Brush top of dough lightly with oil. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise at room temperature for 1 hour.

Step 3

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Set aside.

Step 4

Bring the 10 cups of water and the baking soda to a rolling boil in an wide 8-quart saucepan or roasting pan.

Step 5

Once the dough has risen, turn it out onto a slightly oiled work surface and divide into 4-5 pieces. Roll out each piece of dough into a rope. Slice each rope into 1 1/2-inch pieces.

Step 6

Using a slotted spoon lower a handful of the pretzel pieces into the boiling water and boil them for 30 seconds, flipping them around in the water with the spoon a couple of times. Remove the pretzel pieces from the water using the spoon, drain as best you can, and place them on the baking sheets.

Step 7

Brush the top of each pretzel with oil and sprinkle with salt.

Step 8

Bake until dark golden brown in color, approximately 10 - 12 minutes.  Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce.