Soft Pretzels using lye

Combine the water, sugar and kosher salt in the bowl of a stand mixer and sprinkle the yeast on top.

Allow to sit for 5 minutes or until the mixture begins to foam.

Add the flour and butter and, using the dough hook attachment, mix on low speed until well combined.

Change to medium speed and knead until the dough is smooth and pulls away from the side of the bowl, approximately 4 to 5 minutes.

Remove the dough from the bowl, clean the bowl and then oil it well with vegetable oil. Return the dough to the bowl, cover with plastic wrap and sit in a warm place for approximately 50 to 55 minutes or until the dough has doubled in size.

Preheat the oven to 470 degrees F.

Line 2 half-sheet pans with parchment paper and lightly brush with the vegetable oil and sprinkle with salt.

Mix lye with 2 qt of water and heat to a steep (not boil).

Turn the dough out onto divide into 8 equal pieces. Roll out each piece of dough into a 24-inch rope.

Make a U-shape with the rope, holding the ends of the rope, cross them over each other and press onto the bottom of the U in order to form the shape of a pretzel.

Place the pretzels into the lye water for 5 seconds each.

Remove them from the water using a large flat spatula.

Put them on the half sheet pan and sprinkle with the pretzel salt.

Bake until dark golden brown in color, approximately 8 to 10 minutes.

Transfer to a cooling rack for at least 5 minutes before serving.