Add one tablespoon of sugar to the water and yeast mixture in the bread loaf recipe. This speeds up the yeast action so the dough may be worked with no required rising time.

Briefly knead the dough, then cut it into about six snakelike portions and let the kids make whatever shapes they like. When completed, brush with one beaten egg yolk mixed with one teaspoon of water. Sprinkle on coarse salt or poppyseeds. Place pretzels on a foil-covered cookie sheet (shiny side down), and bake for 15 minutes at 425 degrees.