for the dough:

1 ½ cups warm water (110°F or comfortably warm to the touch)

1 Tablespoon active dry yeast (1 package) – not quick rise yeast

2 teaspoons sugar

4 ½ cups unbleached all-purpose flour

2 teaspoons kosher salt

4 Tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

for the poaching & glazing:

1/4 cup baking soda

large saucepan of water

1 egg, lightly beaten

pretzel salt