I like to use my stand mixer for this recipe, but it can be mixed by hand.2. Combine water, yeast and sugar. Allow mixture activate for 5 minutes, the yeast should become foamy. Next, add salt and flour, one cup at a time while stirring/mixing. The dough will become dry and shaggy looking if you're stirring by hand. Pour dough onto a lightly floured counter and knead for a few minutes until the dough becomes smooth, springy and well incorporated. Cover your dough with a clean tea towel and allow to rise on the counter for 30 minites.3. Preheat oven to 450 degrees F. Prepare a baking sheet by adding a parchment paper or spraying with non-stick spray. Cut the risen dough in half, and in half again, and again until you have 8 even pieces. Roll each piece of dough into a rope about 12" long. Cut ropes into bite sized pieces. 4. In a small bowl, combine a 2 cups of water and 3 tablespoons of baking soda. Heat in the microwave for 3 minutes or until very hot. 5. Stir. Carefully and quickly drop the pretzel bites into the bowl of hot water. Use a slotted spoon to remove (20 seconds or less!) and place on 3 layered paper towels to catch water. Quickly transfer bites to a baking sheet. If you leave the dough on the paper towel too long it will stick, so be sure to work quickly here. 6. Spirinkle with kosher salt or a topping of your choice. Cinnamon and sugar, garlic powder, sour cream and onion or ranch powder, anything you love! Pretzels will puff up a bit while the oven heats. 7. Bake for 8-10 minutes. They should be a nice golden brown. I like to brush mine with melted butter and serve warm! You can easily double or triple this recipe! One batch makes about 2 sheet pans of pretzel bites.