Activate the yeast in the warm water with sugar.
Add the rest of the ingredients, knead for 10-15 minutes, until the dough is silky smooth, and pulls clean from the bowl.
Spray the dough with a very fine layer of oil, cover, and let rise in a warm area until it doubles in size, about an hour.
Meanwhile, bring the alkaline bath toe a boil, and preheat oven to 450F
Divide into 8 pieces. Roll the dough into 1/2" diameter rope, and form the pretzels.
Boil the pretzels for 30 seconds, make sure to turn it over halfway through.
Whisk the egg and water, brush on the pretzels, and sprinkle some salt.
Bake on parchment-lined sheet for 10-14 minutes (until tops turn dark golden brown)
Let cool on a rack for at least 5 minutes before serving.