course salt, sesame seeds, poppy seeds or sliced cheddar cheese for topping(optional)
Instructions
Preheat oven to the lowest setting possible then turn it off as soon as it is heated.
In a medium bowl combine 1 cup of sourdough starter, 1 cup of flour and butter.
Spread ½ cup of flour onto a clean counter top and dump the sourdough mixture on top. Knead in the flour. If the dough is too sticky, gradually add in more flour. My sourdough starter was on the liquid side so I needed 2 full cups.
Knead the dough for 5 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place into a greased bowl that will allow the dough to double in size. Cover with a towel and put in the warm oven to rise, about 1 hour.
Punch down the dough and knead in the cheese gently. Don't over do it. Just mix in the cheese.
Divide the dough equally into 12 balls. Roll each ball into a 16 inch rope, then shape into a pretzel. Be sure to pinch together the connection points.
Place on a greased baking sheet about 2 inches apart. Allow to rise for 20 minutes.
Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
In a large sauce pan bring 6 cups of water and 6 tablespoons baking soda to a boil. Slide pretzels into the water and boil for about 5 seconds a side. Return to the baking sheet.
In a small bowl combine egg white and 1 tablespoon of water. Brush on to each pretzel and add toppings of choice except for extra cheese.
Bake for about 10 minutes at 400 degrees until golden brown. If desired, add slices of cheese on top of the pretzels and bake another minute or two until it is melted.