Pretzel

Mingle the yeast with warm water and mix until dissolved

Combine milk, sugar, and salt in a bowl and let it sit at room temperature

Add the yeast mixture and 3 cups of flour

Beat with an electric mixer for about 2 minutes

Add the remaining flour to form a light and airy dough (about 10 minutes)

Knead on a floured surface for about 10 minutes until smooth

Place the dough in a greased bowl, shape into a ball, and coat with flour

Cover and let it rise until it has doubled in volume (about 1 1/2 hours)

Divide the dough in half

Shape each half into a rectangle of about 30 x 25 cm and cut into strips of 25 cm long

Hold the two ends together, cross them over, twist, and press the edges to seal

Place on a floured surface and repeat with the remaining dough

Let it rise for another 30 minutes

Boil 2 liters of water and add baking soda

Cook 2 pretzels at a time for about 1 minute each

Remove with a slotted spoon and place in a prepared baking sheet lined with parchment paper

Beat egg with water, brush the pretzels, sprinkle with coarse salt, and bake in a preheated oven at 200°C for about 35 minutes or until golden brown

Let it cool for about 30 minutes