Super Easy Soft Pretzels! Even I can do it!

What do you feed drunk and hungry boys dizzy from playing video games for 4 hours (and counting)? Why, soft pretzels of course! I found a lovely blog entry that inspired me to try my hand at homemade soft pretzels. I LOVE soft pretzels. I only wish I had some warm cheese for dipping.
This dough is RIDICULOUSLY easy to make. It's almost fool proof. Just look at that happy dough. It's ready for a rest in a warm oven. (I like to turn the oven on for a few seconds to lock in a bit of heat. Just don't forget to turn it off!)

The dough rose very well. It might be the first dough to rise at it's supposed time - 45-55 minutes. I'm in love with it. It's so cooperative!

Divide the cooperative dough into eight equal pieces. Now you have 8 little happy dough balls. I should name them. They're so sweet.

Roll the balls into long logs - about two feet long. Twist them around and hide them under some plastic wrap to keep them moist.

This step was totally new for me. Drop the pretzels into a boiling bath of water and baking soda. Yes, baking soda! 10 cups of water and 2/3 cup baking soda. I don't know, man. It's science.

After a 30 second bath, lather them up with a wash of egg yolk and water. Sprinkle them with coarse salt.

Look at them! I'm so proud! Not a bad first attempt if I do say so myself.

The boys devoured them. How could they not? They are soft, warm, fluffy, buttery, salty, fantastic!

If you are a very visual person like me, then you will appreciate these videos. Alton Brown, the coolest food guy on TV, did an episode all about the soft pretzel. You can see it in parts here and here.

Get his recipe here. I HIGHLY suggest you whip these up immediately. They are soooo easy and fairly quick for a yeasty food. (It took me about two hours.) So, eat em' while they're hot, and don't forget the cheese and mustard!