HUNGARIAN PRETZELS (PEREC)

Steps:

• Warm milk. Remove from heat.
• Add sugar and stir until it dissolves.
• Add yeast and stir until it dissolves.
• Proof yeast (wait 10 minutes until mixture becomes bubbly).
• Meanwhile add flour, 1 teaspoon salt and butter to large mixing bowl.
• Mix together.
• Add yeast and continue mixing until ball is formed.
• Divide into 4 equal portion and roll into ball.
• Add balls to large mixing bowl, cover with towel and place in warm area.
• Let rise until doubled (usually 30 minutes).
• Remove 1 ball from bowl.
• Divide this portion into 4 pieces.
• Roll each piece into long rope-like shape and form into pretzel shape or cut into pieces for pretzel sticks.
• Place on oiled baking sheet.
• Continue until all pretzels are made.
• Whip egg and 1 teaspoon water together.
• Brush over pretzels.
• Bake at 375F for 10 to 15 minutes or until pretzels begin to brown.
• Meanwhile make salt wash.
• Mix 2 teaspoons salt, 1 teaspoon flour and 1 to 2 teaspoons hot water.
• This should be a jam like consistency.
• Brush salt mixture onto pretzels and bake another 3-4 minutes.