To the untrained eye, that string weaves a confusing path.
You dont need that level of dexterity to make pretzels at home; even professionals have to start somewhere.
Like most new skills, just take it one twist at a time.
Heres a step by step guide to help.
Using both of your open palms, roll out one piece into a long strand.
Imagine being a child and making a Play-Doh snake, or just give this job to a non-imaginary child.
Dont roll it too thin or the pretzel will be hard to lift and boil later.
Make a U-shape with the dough.
Bring the two ends closer to the center.
Cross the left end over the right, about halfway up the strand.
Cross the new left-side strand over the new right-side strand.
Twist it, if that terminology is more comprehensible.
This is where it all comes together.
Lift the two strand-ends together, but keep the bottom of the original U-shape seated on the countertop.
Drop the two ends down toward your body, so they reach the bottom of the U-shape.
You should see the general pretzel shape now.
Dab a little water where the strand-ends meet the rest of the dough and press so they stick well.
You dont want them to unravel in the boiling water.
Proceed to boil and salt them as your recipe indicates, and bake as usual.
