1. Mix the flour, sugar and salt in a large bowl. Next mix in the yeast and oil, then gradually add the water to create a sticky dough (you may not need all the water).

2. Knead the dough until smooth, about 10 minutes. Lightly oil a large bowl and place the dough, turning to coat with oil. Cover with a clean cloth and leave to rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until double in size.

3. Pre heat oven to 230ºC (Fan 210ºC, Gas Mark 8). Grease a baking sheet.

4. Dissolve the Bicarbonate of soda in the 600ml of hot water and set aside.

5. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured board and divide into 12 pieces. Roll each piece into a rope and twist into a knot. Once half of the dough is shaped, dip each pretzel into the bicarbonate mixture and place on baking sheets, sprinkle with sugar.

6. Bake in the oven for 8 minutes. Remove and cool on a wire rack. Repeat with the remaining dough.

To serve sprinkle with cinnamon or icing sugar.

5. Uncover and bake in a preheated oven at 230°C (Fan 210°C, Gas Mark 8) for 30-35 minutes.

Remove loaf from the tin and allow to cool before slicing and enjoying!

METHOD FOR BREADMAKERS

Follow the manufacturers’ guidelines on the order of liquid/dry ingredients and set your machine to the basic/normal setting, large loaf, medium crust.

goes great with… Thick & Creamy Mushroom Soup