Sourdough Pretzel Bites

1. Add brown sugar and water to a bowl. Add yeast to the top and let rest for a few minutes.

2. Add discard, flour, and salt. Stir until dough is shaggy. Pour in melted butter while mixing. Keep mixing until dough comes together. Add 1 tbsp water as needed. Should be firm and smooth, but not too stiff.

3. Remove dough from bowl. Drizzle bowl with olive oil and place dough back into the bowl. Cover and set aside until doubled—one to two hours.

4. Dump onto work surface and lightly flatten. Slice into 8 'pizza slices.' Roll each slice into a log. Cut into one inch pieces and tightly roll each piece into a ball. Set aside and let rest.

5. Bring a large pan of water to a boil with 1/3 cup baking soda. Add baking soda before boiling.

6. Preheat oven to 425°F. Test if dough balls float in a cup of water. If they don’t float, wait a few minutes then try again until they do. Add dough balls to boiling baking soda water for 30 seconds. Remove with a slotted spoon and let air dry. Arrange balls on a cookie sheet with parchment paper.

7. Brush with egg wash and sprinkle with toppings of choice.

8. Bake for roughly 15 minutes or until dark golden brown.

9. Transfer to a cooling rack. Serve immediately, or rewarm just before serving.