Whole Wheat Soft Pretzels

This is a great recipe to make with kids. 

• 1 teaspoon active dry yeast
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 2-3 cups whole wheat flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup warm water or soymilk (approximately 110 degrees, 1 minute in the microwave)
• 2/3 cups baking soda
• 10 cups water

1 Combine yeast, brown sugar, 1 cup flour, salt and milk in a bowl and mix until it begins to form a ball. Add more flour while mixing until it forms a nice ball that can be kneaded by hand.
2 Remove from bowl and knead by hand for 5 to 10 minutes until the dough begins to get smooth and satiny. (This can be done in an electric mixer if desired)
3 Put ball of dough in a ziploc bag that is greased and floured in a warm place to rise 30 minutes to 1 hour.
4 Punch down the dough and separate into 6 pieces, roll each one into a short log, cover and let rest for 5 minutes.
5 Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. Bring pot of water with baking soda to a boil.
6 Roll out each log until about 15 inches long. Shape by putting the log into a U-shape, then take either end of the rope in your finger tips and draw them together so the dough forms a circle. Twist the ends of the rope together once or twice.
7 Then bring the twisted end toward yourself and fold it down onto the bottom curve. Use a bit of water or milk to wet the ends and make them stick onto the dough. Let the pretzels rise for about 30 minutes, then put them one by one into the pot of water for 1 minute.
8 Place on baking sheet and sprinkle with coarse salt or cinnamon and sugar. Bake for 8 minutes or until browned.