~ Combine the water, sugar, and yeast in the bowl of a stand mixer. Allow to sit for 5 minutes, or until the mixture begins to foam.

~ Add the flour, salt and melted butter. Using the dough hook attachment, mix on low speed until well combined. Change to medium speed and knead until the dough is smooth and pulls away from the side of the bowl, approximately 4 to 5 minutes.

~ Cover and sit in a warm place for approximately 60 minutes or has doubled in size.

~Preheat the oven to 450° F.

~Line 2 half-sheet pans with parchment paper. Set aside.

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

~Meanwhile, turn the dough out onto a slightly oiled work surface and divide into 8 equal pieces.

1•Roll out each piece of dough into a rope.

2•Make a U-shape with the rope, holding the ends of the rope,

3• cross them over each other, twist, and press onto the bottom of the U in order to form the shape of a pretzel.

4•Place onto the parchment-lined half sheet pan.

~Continue this with all the pieces.

~Place the pretzels, carefully, into the boiling water, 1 at a time, for 30 seconds.

~Remove them from the water using a large flat spatula.

~Return to the half sheet pan, brush the top of each pretzel with beaten egg yolk and water mixture and sprinkle with the Sea salt.

~When done boiling all the pretzels continue to baking.

~Bake until dark golden brown in color, approximately 12 to 14 minutes.

~Transfer to a cooling rack for at least 5 minutes before serving.

~Brush with melted butter if serving immediately.

Enjoy!!

Try other toppings like:

•Shredded cheese

•Cinnamon and Sugar mixture

•Pizza toppings