Soft Pretzels

4 to 4 1/2 cups bread flour
1 tbsp active dry yeast

1 1/2 cups milk
1/4 cup sugar
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp salt

1 cup warm water
1 1/2 tbsp baking soda

In a mixing bowl, stir together 1 1/2 cups flour and the yeast. In a sauce pan heat and stir milk, sugar, oil and salt until warm (not too hot or it will kill the yeast). Add to flour mixture. Beat at low speed 30 seconds, scraping sides, then on high for 3 minutes. Mix in as much of remaining flour as possible.

Knead on lightly floured surface until it's moderately stiff and is smooth and elastic. Place dough in greased bowl, cover and let rise in warm place until it's doubled (about 1 1/4 hours).

Punch dough down and let sit for 10 minutes. Combine water and baking soda to dip pretzels in.

Cook pretzels on greased sheet. Bake on highest rack for 10 to 12 minutes (until browned) at 475 degrees.

**This recipe is from Myleka... thank you!!**