Twisty-Turny Valentine's Day Soft Pretzels

Ingredients

• 2 1/4 cups warm water
• 1 package dry yeast (1/4 ounce envelope)
• 1/4 cup raw sugar
• 5 cups whole-wheat flour
• 3/4 cup baking soda
• Kosher salt
• Ketchup, mustard, or melted cheese (for dipping)

Supplies

• Baking sheet
• Hand mixer or mixer with a dough hook
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Mixing bowl
• Mixing spoons
• Parchment baking paper
• Spatula
• Tongs

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Dissolve the yeast in 1/2 cup of the warm water. Add 1/4 cup raw sugar.
3. Add the flour to the liquid mixture a little at a time until the dough is completely blended together. (Tip: Sprinkle a little flour on the surface where you will be rolling and twisting the pretzels.)
4. Break into 1 1/2 inch chunks and roll out into tubes about 8-10 inches long. 
5. Fold into the shape of a heart, making a “V” then twisting the tips together, pressing down to form a pointy tip at the bottom and at the top center. (Tip: Keep the pretzels about 4 inches wide)
6. Pour baking soda into a large cool pot, and stir in 10 cups of water.
7. Bring to a boil, and drop each pretzel into the water for about 45 seconds then remove it with tongs and a spatula.
8. Place on parchment on a baking sheet.
9. While damp, sprinkle the tops of the pretzels with kosher salt.
10. Bake for 7-10 minutes or until golden. (Tip:  Pack them up in cellophane with a brightly colored ribbon to give out as a Valentines.)