INGREDIENTS:

3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

2 tablespoons sugar

1 teaspoon salt

1 package active dry yeast

1 cup water

1 tablespoon margarine

1 tablespoon water

1 egg yolk; beaten

Coarse salt for topping

DIRECTIONS:

Mix 1 cup flour, sugar, salt and undissolved yeast.

Heat 1 cup water and margarine to 120 to 130 degrees.

Gradually add to dry ingredients; beat 2 minutes at medium speed of mixer.

Add 1/2 cup flour.

Beat at high speed 2 minutes.

Stir in enough additional flour to make a soft dough.

On floured board, knead 5 minutes.

Set in greased bowl; turn to grease top.

Cover and let rise in warm, draft-free place 40 minutes.

Divide dough into 12 equal pieces.

Roll each into a 20-inch rope.

Shape into pretzels or other shapes.

Place on greased baking sheets.

Cover; let rest 5 minutes.

Mix egg yolk and 1 tablespoon water; brush on pretzels.

Sprinkle with coarse salt.

Bake at 375 degrees 15 minutes or until done.

Cool on racks.