Soft Pretzels

3 1/2 cup flour
2 T sugar
1 tsp salt
2 pkgs (or 4 1/2 tsp) dry yeast
1 C water
1 T shortening
1 egg yolk
1 T water
Coarse salt

Mix 1 cup of the flour with the sugar, salt, and dry yeast. In a seperate container, heat water and shortening to 120 degrees. Slowly add the flour mixture. Beat well for 2 minutes. Ad 1/2 cup more flour and heat again for 2 minutes. Stir in the rest of the flour. Knead for 5 minutes. Set in a greased bowl and let rise in a warm place for 40 minutes or until doubles in size. Punch down.

Divide dough into 12 pieces and roll each one into a long rope (18 - 20 i nches). Shape into pretzels or other shapes. Place on a greased cookie sheet and let rest for 5 minutes. MIx egg yolk and 1 T water. Brush on the pretzels and sprinkle with the salt. Bake at 375 degrees for 15 minutes

From Miserly Moms by Jonni McCoy