It is important to Proof the Yeast to be sure you get the rise for the pretzels.
Put ¼ cup warm water, maple syrup, and yeast into a small cup and stir until yeast dissolves. If yeast does not foam, try again with another yeast packet.
Making the Dough
To prepare your dough, use a mixer with a dough hook, if you have one. If you don't, mix and knead all the dough ingredients with your hands, the old-fashioned way!
Place the flour, salt, oil, proofed yeast mixture, and an additional ½ cup of water (for a total of ¾ cups water) into the mixer (or a bowl). Run on medium low for about 5-6 minutes (until the dough pulls away from the bowl). If using a spoon then your hands, mix and knead dough ingredients for about 8-10 minutes (add a little bit of flour to coat your hands until you get the dough the right consistency to kneed).
Brush the inside of a large glass bowl with a little bit of oil. Form the dough into a ball and put it in the bowl. Cover and allow the dough to rise for about 40 minutes, or until it has doubled in size.
Preheat your oven to 450 degrees F.
Uncover your dough and give it a few good punches to bring it down.
Prepare a cookie sheet with parchment paper on it. Set aside.
Prepare an oiled work surface. Cut the dough into 6 equal parts (depending on the size you want your pretzels), and roll each out to an approx. 18-24" long rope.
Grab the ends of each dough rope to make a U shape, then form into a pretzel shape.
The Important part...
Put 6 cups of water into a pot and dissolve the 2 tablespoons of baking soda into the water and bring to a rolling boil.
Drop pretzels, one at a time, into the pot very slowly and carefully. Each should sink a little then rise up. Wait 30 seconds, then lift out using a slotted spoon and place each onto the cookie sheet.
While still wet, sprinkle with desired amount of coarse salt.
Take a sharp knife and cut a 4-6" slit along the bottom of the pretzel. The slit will open up during baking.
Bake for about 14 minutes. Watch them very carefully as they can brown very quickly – when they’re golden brown, they’re done.