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1
In a large bowl mix 2 cups warm water and brown sugar until dissolved.
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2
Stir yeast into mixture and let stand until foamy.
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3
5 - 10 minutes usually.
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4
After yeast has foamed, stir in vegetable oil and 3 cups of the flor.
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5
Knead in remaining 2 and 3/4 cups flour.
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6
Dough will be slightly sticky.
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7
Transfer the dough to a floured work surface and continue to knead until dough is silky.
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8
About 3 minutes.
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9
If dough is still sticky you can add up to 1/4 cup flour gradually.
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10
Place dough in large oiled bowl and cover with plastic wrap.
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11
Let sit at room temperature until double in size.
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12
About 45 minutes to an hour.
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13
Preheat over to 450F and line 3 cookie sheets with parchment and butter the paper.
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14
Punch down the dough and on a flour work surface, Knead it slightly then flatten the dough out and cut into 24 even slices.
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15
Roll each piece into a 9 inch stick about half an inch thick.
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16
Transfer each stick onto buttered cookie sheets.
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17
Let stand uncovered until puffy.
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18
About 25 minutes.
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19
In a large deep skillet or large pot, add the baking soda to the 2 quarts of boiling water.
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20
Reduce the heat to moderate but not a rolling boil.
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21
In between boiling and simmer.
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22
Using 2 slotted spoons, carefully add 3 pretzel sticks at a time to water.
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23
Depending on how large the pan is, you may add more or less.
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24
Do not crowd.
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25
Cook in the simmering water solution 30 seconds, turning once.
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26
Add about 1/2 to 1 cup hot water to pan after each batch you par boil.
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27
Transfer the water bathed pretzels to a paper towel to drain off excess water.
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28
Return the drained sticks back to the buttered cookie sheet.
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29
Space them evenly apart.
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30
Brush the sticks with egg wash mixture and sprinkle with pretzel salt if desired.
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31
Bake about 8 to 10 minutes or until browned.
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32
Some like dark brown and some light.
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33
its up to your taste how dark to get them, they are great either way.
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34
Serve with mustard or any dipping sauce you like.
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35
Beer cheddar sauce or honey mustard is excellent for these.
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36
You may also roll them in Cinnamon and sugar mixture as soon as they come out of oven for a sweet treat!
