#1. Preheat oven to 475°F #2. In a small bowl, dissolve yeast and 1 teaspoon sugar in 1 ¼ cup warm water. Let stand until fully dissolved, about 10 minutes. #3. In a large bowl, mix together flour, remaining sugar, and salt - then add the oil and yeast mixture. Mix and form into a dough, and knead until smooth. #4. Lightly oil a large bowl, and place dough to rest. Cover with a damp kitchen towel and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 hour. #5. In a cast iron or other (non-aluminum) pan, heat water and baking soda *careful not to boil*. #6. Once dough has risen, place onto a lightly floured surface and divide into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a rope and twist into a pretzel shape. Once all of the dough is shaped, gently lower each pretzel into the solution for about a minute, turning halfway. Place pretzels on greased baking sheets. Sprinkle with salt or cinnamon sugar mixture. #7. Bake about 5 minutes, or until golden brown. Serve & enjoy!