Almond Pretzels

I love Auntie Anne's Almond Pretzel. I usually pair it with Caramel Dip and a Freshly Squeezed Lemonade.
I wanted to bake something new today, but not desserts or anything sweet. And I came up with Pretzels Auntie Anne's Style *smile*
I used the recipe from CD Kitchen

Note:
I am still looking for a bread flour though APF can substitute the ingredients.

INGREDIENTS:
1 1/2 cup warm water
1 1/8 teaspoon active dry yeast
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 1/8 teaspoon salt
1 cup bread flour
3 cups regular flour
2 cups warm water
2 tablespoons baking soda
to taste coarse salt
4 tablespoons butter (melted)
chopped blanched almonds

PROCEDURE:

1. Sprinkle yeast on lukewarm water in mixing bowl; stir to dissolve. 
2. Add sugar, salt and stir to dissolve; add flour and knead dough until smooth and elastic. Let rise at least 1/2 hour.
3. While dough is rising, prepare a baking soda water bath with 2 cups warm water and 2 Tbsp baking soda. Be certain to stir often.
4. After dough has risen, pinch off bits of dough and roll into a long rope* (about 1/2 inch or less thick) and shape. 
5. Dip pretzel in soda solution and chopped almonds , place on greased baking sheet. 
6. Allow pretzels to rise again.
7.  Bake in 450 degrees F oven for about 10 minutes or until golden. 
8. Brush with melted butter and enjoy!