Home-Baked Soft Pretzels
(courtesy of Alexander Baur, owner, Arte Farina in Reno. Serves 10)
3¾ cups water
1 tablespoon active dry yeast
2 cups plus 2 tablespoons bread flour, plus more for kneading
1 tablespoon kosher salt
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Pretzel salt
For baking soda wash
3¾ cups water
⅓ cup baking soda
¼ cup honey
In large bowl, combine warm water, yeast, bread flour, butter, and salt. Knead in bowl until all ingredients are incorporated. Remove sticky dough ball from bowl onto firm, lightly floured work surface such as countertop or cutting board. Continue to knead for 5 minutes and let rest uncovered for another 5 minutes. Knead again for about 5 minutes until dough is smooth and soft.
Wrap dough ball in plastic wrap and let rest for 25 minutes. You will see plastic wrap start to stretch.
Roll dough ball into a large cylindrical shape and cut into 10 equal pieces. Shape pieces into balls and then into rope-like strands about 9 or 10 inches long.
Extend dough ropes so they are 18 to 20 inches long by rolling them back and forth with your fingertips. While rolling, press down and outward while being careful not to overstretch and tear or flatten dough. Tie pretzel knot.
Line 2 baking sheets with clean dish cloths and transfer shaped pretzels to them. Let them sit uncovered in the fridge for 60 to 90 minutes.
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F and line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
For baking soda bath, bring water to a gentle boil and add baking soda and honey. Submerge 1 pretzel at a time into boiling water for 15 to 20 seconds each. Place pretzels on lined baking sheet and score center sections with a knife. Top with pretzel salt, if desired.
Bake 15 to 20 minutes or until deep brown. Remove from oven and place on cooling rack. Pretzels can be enjoyed warm or consumed later that day. You also may freeze and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. To unfreeze pretzels, thaw at room temperature on a rack for 4 to 5 hours or reheat in 400 degree F oven for 4 to 5 minutes, then allow to cool on rack.
