Name: Traditional German Soft Pretzels Recipe
Yield: makes 8 large pretzels
Ingredients: 1 package (2-1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast; 1/2 cup 100-115°F warm water; 1 tablespoon firmly packed dark brown sugar; 3-1/4 cups (420 g) unbleached bread flour; 1/2 cup cold pilsner or lager-style beer; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cubed and softened, plus more for greasing the bowl; 2 teaspoons fine sea salt; 1/4 cup baked baking soda (see notes); 1 egg yolk beaten with 1 tablespoon water; coarse salt to finish