Soft Pretzels
2 t. active dry yeast 1T dark brown sugar, divided 1 1/2 c. very warm water (110 degrees) 1 T salt 4 c. flour 1/4 c coarse kosher salt Yields 24 pretzels Cooking Day In a large bowl, combine yeast, 1 1/2 t brown sugar and water and let stand for 5 minutes, until foamy and bubbly. Add remaining sugar and salt and stir well. Add the flour 1 cup at a time, mixing by hand until well inforporated. Knead dough until smooth and elastic, about 7 minutes. Transfer dough to a greased bowl and let stand in warm place, covered for 40 minutes. Wrap dough in plastic wrap, place in freezer bag and freeze. Serving Day Defrost dough slightly either in microwave on defrost setting or by thawing on countertop. Dust your work surface with flour and cornmeal. Divide dough into approximately 12 pieces and roll each piece out into ropes of desired length and thickness. Note, thinner = crispier. Form dough ropes into pretzel shapes and allowpretzels to rise for 30 minutes, uncovered.