Step 1

Take all your yeast proofing ingredients and mix them together. Set aside until it foams and doubles in size.

Step 2

Mix your flour and salt.

Step 3

Add the proofed yeast and melted butter.

Step 4

Set your stand mixer to low speed and add your water very slowly.

Step 5

Once you use all your water is used. Set the speed to high and let it do it's thing for 5-6 minutes.

Step 6

Take your dough out. It should be very sticky.

Step 7

Cut in 4 and shape it into 4 balls.

Step 8

Spray a baking sheet with some oil, place your 4 dough balls in there, making sure that you space them by at least 3-4 inches.

Step 9

Cover with a towel and let rise for 45 minutes or until it doubles in size.

Step 10

Prepare your alkaline bath by putting the water (6 cups) in a large pot and bringing it to a boil. Add your baking soda.

Step 11

Pre heat your oven to 375F.

Step 12

Using a very sharp knife, make a a couple of incisions in your dough balls and boil them for 1-2 minutes each ONE AT A TIME. Boiling them one a time ensures that the temperature in your bath will not drop.

Step 13

Lay some parchemin paper on a loaf pan, and put your dough balls one next the the other in the pan. I could only fit 2 in my pan. So this recipe made 2 loaves. Yaye !

Step 14

*If you don't have parchemin paper, you can just oil your loaf pan. Please note that this will make your pretzel loaf more crispy on the bottom and sides.

Step 15

Bake for 15 to 20 minutes or until golden brown.