SOFT RYE PRETZELS

Steps:

• 1. Measure the yeast into a large bowl. Heat 1½ cups of water over low heat, to about 100 °F. Add water to yeast, then add honey and stir. Add flours and kosher salt, and stir again. 2. Dump dough onto floured surface and knead. While kneading, slowly add up until ½ cup of flour, until dough is tacky but not sticky. Once this happens, don't add any more flour; knead for about 12 more minutes until dough is soft and supple. 3. Lightly brush bowl with melted butter. Add dough to bowl and cover with clean dish towel; let it rise for about 1½ hours, or until doubled in size. 4. While dough is rising, preheat oven to 450 °F. Once dough has doubled, remove from bowl and cut into 12 pieces. Roll each piece into a 17"-long snake (without adding extra flour) and roll into pretzel knots. Let pretzels rise on buttered baking sheet for 15-20 minutes. 5. Bring a large pot of water to boil, and add baking soda. Boil pretzels, one at a time; boil each side for 30 seconds. Use a strainer to remove pretzels and transfer them back to baking sheet. Sprinkle liberally with salt and bake for 15-18 minutes. Best eaten within the hour!