How do you make preztels?

* 1 tablespoon sugar

* 1 teaspoon salt

* 1 cup warm water (105-115 degrees F)

* 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast

* 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting

* 2 tablespoons butter, melted

* Coarse salt, for sprinkling

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine the sugar, salt, and warm water. Stir until the sugar and salt are dissolved. Sprinkle the yeast over the water and let it sit for 5 minutes, until it becomes foamy.

2. Add 3 cups of the flour to the bowl and mix until the dough comes together and forms a ball. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5 minutes, until it is smooth and elastic.

3. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.

4. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).

5. Punch down the dough and divide it in half. Roll each half out into a 12-inch rope. Cut each rope into 12 pieces.

6. To shape the pretzels, take one piece of dough and roll it into a 6-inch rope. Bring the ends of the rope together and twist them twice. Fold the twisted ends down to form the pretzel shape. Repeat with the remaining dough.

7. Place the pretzels on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Brush them with the melted butter and sprinkle them with coarse salt.

8. Bake the pretzels in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, until they are golden brown. Let them cool on a wire rack before serving.

Tips:

* To make sure the yeast is active, add a pinch of sugar to the warm water and let it sit for 5 minutes. If the yeast foams, it is active and can be used.

* If you don't have a stand mixer, you can knead the dough by hand. Simply knead it on a lightly floured surface for 10 minutes, until it is smooth and elastic.

* To make sure the pretzels are cooked through, insert a toothpick into the center of one. If the toothpick comes out clean, the pretzels are done.

* Pretzels are best served warm, but they can also be stored at room temperature for a few days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 5-10 minutes, or until they are heated through.