Paula Dean's Soft Pretzels

Paula Dean's Soft Pretzels ( Makes 9 Pretzels)

• 1 Package yeast
• 1 Teaspoon sugar
• 1 1/2 Cups warm water (105*F - 115*F)
• 4 1/3 Cups of bread flour
• 2  Tablespoons firmly packed brown sugar
• 1 Teaspoon salt
• 1 Large egg, lightly beaten
• 1 Egg white
• Grated Parmesan cheese

1. In a small bowl, dissolve yeast and sugar in warm water. Let stand 5 minutes.
2. In a large bowl, combine bread flour, brown sugar, and salt. 
3. Stir in yeast mixture and lightly beaten egg. stirring until dough is smooth.
4. On a lightly floured surface, kneed dough 5 minutes or until smooth and elastic.
5. Place dough in a lightly greased bowl, turning to grease top.
6. Cover with a towel, and let stand in a warm place 45 minutes or until doubled in bulk.
7. Preheat oven to 425*F.
8. Divide dough into 9 equal pieces. 
9. On a lightly floured surface, shape each piece of dough into a 20 inch rope. 
10. Shape ropes into pretzels. 
11. Place on a lightly greased baking sheet. 
12. Brush  pretzels with egg white and sprinkle with cheese or salt.
13. Bake 12 minutes.