Soft Mall Pretzels

Place all pretzel ingredients in bread machine in order recommended by manufacturer, or as listed; set for dough cycle.

When finished, turn dough out on a lightly floured surface. With sharp kitchen shears (a pizza cutting wheel works great too) cut dough into equal pieces. Roll each piece into a 16 inch rope. Shape pretzel.

Dip both sides briefly into a bowl filled with with wash ingredients and place on a greased baking sheet.

Heat oven to 425 degrees F. Let pretzels rise for 15 minutes, then bake for 8-10 minutes, until golden brown.

Remove from oven and brush with melted butter and sprinkle with salt. I use margarita salt, but you can get rock salt and crush it with a rolling pin. If you want a sweet pretzel, sprinkle instead with sugar and cinnamon.

Try topping with Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning, or dipping into melted cheese, flavored cream cheese, or chocolate sauce.