Bavarian Pretzels (Bayerischer Brez'n)

Step 1: In the bowl of a kitchenaid stand mixer, whisk together the flour, salt and sugar.

Step 2: Make a hole in the middle of the flour mixture and pour the warm milk into the hole, sprinkle with yeast- cover with a towel and let the yeast proof until bubbly .

Step 3: Add the soft butter and mix it all with the dough hook -knead with the hook until the dough is soft.

Step 4: Place the dough in an oiled bowl , cover with a towel, and let the dough rise, until doubled.

Step 5: Preheat the oven to 350F.

Step 6: Next push down the dough and divide it into balls, each about 3.5 ounces.

Step 7: Roll the dough balls into ropes, and make each into a pretzel shape - let them rest on a baking sheet lined with parchment.

Step 8: Boil a big pot of water and add 4 tablespoons ( or 60 grams) of baking soda- be careful because it foams up.

Step 9: Drop each pretzel into the water and let it cook for 1 minutes then place it back on the parchment lined baking sheet.

Step 10: Cut a small slit in the fat part of the pretzel.

Step 11: Brush the beaten egg over the top - then sprinkle the coarse salt, lightly, if desired.

Step 12: Bake at 350F until golden.