Homemade pretzels!

This is from a magazine called Family Fun.  I like the magazine's name because having a family should be fun!

1 pound loaf frozen bread dough (or make your own)
4 cups warm water
1 1/2 Tbsp. baking soda
1 egg
1 Tbp. water
coarse salt like Morton's coarse kosher salt

1.  Thaw the bread dough but do not let it rise.
Heat the oven to 450 degrees.  Using a sharp divide he dough into 8 pieces.  Roll each piece into an 18-inch rope on a dry, unfloured surface.  Shape the dough in a pretzel or any other shape and pinch the seams tightly.

2.  In a large bowl, mix together the 4 cups of warm water and the baking soda.  In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and 1 Tbsp. of water.  Lightly spray a baking sheet (2 if needed) with nonstick spray and set aside.

3.  Carefully dip the dough letter into the baking soda and water mixture and place them on the prepared baking sheets.  Brush them with the whisked egg and sprinkle with salt.  Bake for 9 to 11 minutes or until medium brown.  Makes about 8 pretzels.