FOR DOUGH: In a mixer bowl, combine 2 cups of the flour and the yeast. In a saucepan, heat the milk, sugar, oil and 1 1/2 tsps of salt, just until warm. Stir constantly. Add to flour mixture. Beat at low speed with the mixer for 1/2 minute. Scrape the bowl. Beat 3 more minutes on high speed. Stir in as much of the remaining flour as you can mix in with a spoon. If you have a "kneading hook" on your stand mixer, you can use it. Put dough on a lightly floured surface and knead in enough of the flour ot make it moderately stiff. You want it to be smooth, yet elastic. Shape into a ball. Place in a lightly greased bowl, turning once to grease the surface of the dough. Cover; let rise in a warm place till double the size. About 1 1/2 hours.

Punch down the dough. Place on a lightly floured surface. Cover; let rest for 10 minutes. Using a rolling pin (or something similar), roll out into a 12x8" rectangle, or as close to it as you can get. **You can see I roll a circle. I just cut the end pieces a little thicker.

Cut 16 strips about 1/2" wide and 12 inches long.

Roll each strip into a rope about 16" long. Cut the strip about 2-2 1/2" sections. NOTE: If you decided to make pretzels, don't cut the strip, but shape it into the pretzel.

Once all the strips have been cut. Let them rise AGAIN, uncovered for 20 minutes. **You should start your water boiling while the dough is rising.

Preheat your oven to 350○ and grease a cookie/baking sheet.

Boil water and once boiling, dissolve 3 tbsp of salt in it. Lower enough of your pretzel bite into the boiling water to just cover the top surface. They will float. Boil for 2 minutes, turning once. NOTE: Do not over cook in the boiling water. They will not turn out.

Remove the pretzels with a slotted spoon to a paper towel. Let stand a few minutes. Then place on your greases cookie/baking sheet. Repeat until all the pretzels have been boiled. Brush the pretzels with a mixture of the egg white and 1 tbsp water.

Sprinkle with coarse/sea salt. Bake 25-30 minutes or till lightly golden brown. Leave in longer if you like them darker brown. Brush with melted butter for some added flavor if desired.