Movie Theater Pretzel Rods

Name: Movie Theater Pretzel Rods
Prep time: 1 h 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Yield: 32 pretzel rods.
Ingredients: 1 package (1/4 ounce) active dry yeast; 1-1/2 cups warm water (110° to 115°); 2 tablespoons sugar; 2 tablespoons butter, melted; 1-1/2 teaspoons salt; 4 to 4-1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 8 cups water; 1/3 cup baking soda; 1 egg yolk; 1 tablespoon cold water; Coarse salt, optional

My kids and all of their friends clamor for the large, chewy pretzel rods. They are fantastic fresh from the oven. —Lisa Shaw, Burnettsville, Indiana

Ingredients

1 package (1/4 ounce) active dry yeast
1-1/2 cups warm water (110° to 115°)
2 tablespoons sugar
2 tablespoons butter, melted
1-1/2 teaspoons salt
4 to 4-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
8 cups water
1/3 cup baking soda
1 egg yolk
1 tablespoon cold water
Coarse salt, optional

Directions

In a large bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water. Add the sugar, butter, salt and 2 cups flour. Beat until smooth. Stir in enough remaining flour to form a soft dough (dough will be sticky).
Turn dough onto a floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, about 6-8 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour.
In a large saucepan, bring 8 cups water and baking soda to a boil. Punch dough down; divide into 32 portions. Roll each into a 5-in. log. Add to boiling water, a few at a time, for 30 seconds. Remove with a slotted spoon; drain on paper towels.
Place on greased baking sheets. Lightly beat egg yolk and cold water; brush over pretzels. Sprinkle with coarse salt if desired. Bake 425° for 9-11 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from pans to wire racks. Serve warm.