Soft Mall Pretzels

1 1/2 cups lukewarm water
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 1/2 tablespoons brown sugar
4 cups flour
1 teaspoon sea salt or margarita salt
1 package yeast

Place all 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 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a 16 inch rope. Shape pretzel.

Dip both sides briefly into a bowl filled with 1 cup water and 1 tablespoon baking soda 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 desired salt.

If you want a sweet pretzel, sprinkle instead with sugar and cinnamon.

Try topping with Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning

Pretzel dips: Melted cheese, flavored cream cheese, chocolate sauce, etc.