In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 1/4 c flour, yeast, sugar and salt. Mix well. Add very warm water and oil. Beat 3 minutes. Add remaining flour until you form a stiff dough. Mix for 5-8 minutes or knead by hand. Lightly grease dough, place in bowl and cover with plastic wrap and a towel. Put in a warm place until it doubles in size, approximately 30 minutes. Punch down dough and turn out to a lightly floured surface (I skipped the flour). Break off a small piece and roll into a snake about an inch thick. Cut sections in desired size. Let rise for 10 minutes. Preheat oven to 425 F if you are going to bake them right away. Bring water and baking soda to a boil in a large sauce pan. (The baking soda is key here...) Carefully drop pretzel bites in the water and boil for up to a minute, spinning them around. Remove and placed on a greased cookie sheet. Allow to cool for about 5 minutes. Brush with egg white and sprinkle with salt (or other flavoring).
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