Hey /ck/.

Lately I've been on a pretzel making kick. The following recipe is fucking absurdly wonderful:

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/almost-famous-soft-pretzels-recipe/index.html

...but I was wondering if any of you knew of anything even better. Before you say it, I know the "only proper way" of making pretzels is with a lye bath, but I'm a rather noob cook. The other day I somehow managed to completely fuck up a box angel food cake, so I really think it would be a horrendous idea for me to play with lye.

Huge thanks for any help!