When you have money, cooking is more like a hobby. So, watch your cook closely...you might learn something.

You will need:

• 1 1/4 cups lukewarm water
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1 tbl active dry yeast
• 1 1/2 tsp salt
• 4 cups unbleached, all purpose flour
• 1 tbl olive oil
• 4 tsp baking soda
• 1 quart water
• 1 egg, beaten with 2 tsp water
• kosher salt
• cumin seed
• carroway seed
• sesame seed
• poppy seed
• plenty of tax deductions

Directions:

1. Combine the water, sugar and yeast in a large mixing bowl and set aside in a warm spot. After 10-15 minutes, the mixture should begin to foam and bubble.

2. Add the salt and half of the flour and mix well with a wooden spoon. Turn the dough out onto a clean, floured surface and gradually knead in the remaining flour to form a smooth and elastic dough.

3. Continue to knead the dough for another 5 minutes before transferring to a clean bowl oiled with a few drops of olive oil. Turn the dough in the bowl to coat all sides evenly with oil.

4. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and set in a warm, draft free place until doubled in bulk, about half an hour.

5. Preheat the oven to 450?F. Punch the dough down and roll into a large log. Divide into 12 even pieces, then roll each piece into a 16-18 inch rope.

6. Shape the pretzels into dollar signs, baseball bats or any other shapes that come to mind. To form a traditional pretzel shape, simply tie the dough into a loose knot pinching the loose ends across the loops.

7. Combine the baking soda and the water in a small saucepan and bring to a boil. Using a slotted spoon, carefully lower each pretzel in the boiling water until it begins to float, about 30 seconds.

8. Drain each pretzel and transfer to a greased baking sheet, brush lightly with the egg-water mixture and sprinkle generously with kosher salt, cumin, carroway, sesame and poppy seeds.

9. Cover the pretzels with a cloth and allow to rise again, about 5 minutes.

10. Bake in preheated 450?F oven for about 15 minutes or until golden brown. Serve hot with plenty of cold beer and mustard.

11. Remember to save room for a frozen asset snow cone or some legal tender chicken tenders.