Soft Pretzels

In large measuring glass, mix together warm water/milk, yeast and 1/4 cup brown sugar with a whisk until well combined. Let stand in a warm place until foamy, about 5-10 minutes.

In food processor bowl with metal blade, pulse flour and salt until combined. Add butter and pulse until crumbly.

With processor running, slowly add yeast mixture until dough ball is formed. (If necessary, add more water or more flour to get the right consistency.) Process dough an additional 1-2 minutes.

Remove dough from processor and knead by hand for 2-3 minutes until smooth & elastic. Put dough ball in the oiled boil and then flip in the bowl. Cover the bowl with a damp cloth and let rise in a warm place 45-60 minutes, until dough is about double in size.

After rising, punch dough ball down and cut into 6 to 8 even pieces. Set aside. Preheat oven to 450 degrees with rack in upper third of oven.

Mix water, beer, remaining 1/8 cup brown sugar and baking soda in a sauce pan large enough to dip pretzels one at a time. Bring to a simmer.

Roll out each dough piece into a long 24-inch string and shape pretzels as desired. Place on a lined baking sheet.

Simmer pretzels one at a time about 30 seconds each, holding under the surface of the water if necessary with a slotted spoon. After simmering, transfer back to the baking sheet. (You can gently reshape pretzels if they become misshapen during bath.) Let pretzels rest 10 minutes on baking sheet.

While pretzels are resting, whisk egg yolk with water. When time is up, brush egg yolk mixture over the pretzels and then sprinkle with coarse salt or other desired toppings.

Transfer to oven and bake 5 minutes. Rotate baking sheet and bake until a deep brown, 5-6 minutes more. (If you plan on freezing and reheating later, bake only 2-3 minutes more until lightly browned.)

Transfer to a wire rack and let cool a bit before serving. Can be dipped in or brushed with melted butter before serving. If freezing, put in an airtight container and freeze. To reheat, thaw and warm in a 425 degree oven until dark brown.