Soft Pretzels

Tastes just like Auntie Anne's!

1 cup milk
1 package (or 1 T.) active dry yeast 
3 T. light brown sugar
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
2 T. butter
1 t. table salt
3 T. cup baking soda
2 T. coarse salt

Warm the milk in microwave to about 110 degrees; pour into a medium bowl and sprinkle in the yeast. Stir in the brown sugar and 1 cup flour with a wooden spoon. Dice 2 tablespoons butter and soften; stir into the mix. Add the remaining flour and the table salt to make a sticky dough. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead until smooth. Place in a lightly greased bowl and cover. Let rise until doubled in size, about 1 hour.

Preheat the oven to 450º and grease a large baking sheet. Divide the dough into 6 pieces. Form each rope into a pretzel shape.

Dissolve the baking soda in 1 cup warm water in a shallow baking dish. Gently dip each pretzel in the soda solution, then place baking sheet. Sprinkle with the coarse salt. Bake until golden, 10 to 12 minutes.

Optional: 
Brush with butter when they come out of the oven. 
Serve with mustard or cheese sauce.