Yeast Mixture

• Begin by whisking the sugar, yeast, and warm water together in a large bowl
• Allow to sit until nice and bubbly (around 5 minutes)

Make the Dough

• Next, incorporate the flour and canola oil into the yeast mixture with a large spoon to create a shaggy dough
• Once it becomes difficult to mix, use your hands to begin kneading, further incorporating the ingredients (adding flour as needed to remedy over-stickyness)
• After around 3-5 minutes, the dough should begin to spring back when poked.. this should be enough kneading
• Shape the dough roughly into a ball-shape, and place in a flour-dusted bowl

Let it Rise

• Cover with a towel and let rise until doubled in size (approximately 40-60 minutes)
• Once the dough has doubled, remove from bowl onto another floured surface
  
• Cut dough into 4 equal parts and begin shaping each section
  

(This is a good time to prepare a baking tray with parchment, and preheat the oven to 400°F)

To Shape Mickey (Refer to Post for Detailed Images)

• First roll, pull, and lightly stretch until you have a long piece around 12 inches long.. More or less uniform in thickness
• Next, bring the sides over each-other, pinching the ends into the middle of the "line"
• Finally, twist pretzel tops to form the "ears"

Pretzel Bath Time

• Bring the 4 cups of water to a boil and add the baking soda.. this will bubble a lot!
• Next, lower the heat to a simmer and allow the bubbles to dissipate and the water to cool for a bit
• Finally, take each pretzel (one at a time) on a slotted spoon (or spatula) and dunk into the water for 5 seconds
• Transfer wet pretzel dough carefully to prepared tray and sprinkle with salt
  
• Bake at 400°F for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown and smelling AMAZING
  
• Let cool for at least 5 minutes on the tray, remove, and be careful devouring this deliciousness; it might still be warm ;)
• These Pretzels are good on their own, but even better with this vegan cheese sauce recipe