In mixing bowl mix 1 1/2 cups warm water, 1Tbl brown sugar, and 2tsp kosher salt
Sprinkel 2 1/2 tsp active yeast (1 package) on top of water, brown sugar, and kosher salt mixer. Let rest for 10 minutes. The yeast will become bubble.
Add 4 1/2 cups of all purpose flour to bowl.
Place bowl under mixer with dough hook.
Run mixer for about 5 minutes. Or until pretzel dough is mixed, smooth, and away from the bowl.
Coat large mixing bowl with oil.
Shape pretzel dough into a bowl. Place dough in oiled bowl and caught dough with oil.
Cover bowl with plastic wrap or tea towel. In a warm area let the pretzel rest for one hour, till it doubles in size.
In a large pot pour in 2 quarts and 2 cups of water and 1/2 cup of baking soda. Bring the mixer to a boil.
Preheat oven to 450˚F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and lightly oil or baking mats (not oiled).
Cut pretzel dough into 8 equal parts
Roll dough 2 feet long. If pretzel dough starts to "dry out" and very little oil.
Make "U" shape. Ends up.
Take one end and lay over the other side, about half way done. Take the other end and lay over the other side.
Take each end down towards the bottom and press gently against the pretzel dough.
Gently place one pretzel at a time on a slotted spatula or spoon and place in the boiling baking soda water for 30 -35 seconds. Place on baking sheet and repeat.
In small bowl beat together egg yoke and tablespoon of water. Brush over each pretzel.
Sprinkle pretzel or kosher salt
Bake for 12 -15 minutes or dark golden brown