Sprinkle yeast in the 1 1/2 cup warm water and stir to dissolve. Let sit about ten min until foamy. Add brown sugar and stir to dissolve.
Put yeast water into mixing bowl. Add flour and salt and knead until dough is smooth and elastic. Put in a greased bowl and cover with towel. Let rise one hour.
Take the 2 cups of warm water and add baking soda. Stir to dissolve.
After dough has risen, pinch off pieces and roll into ropes and twist into pretzel shapes. Dip into baking soda water and ace on a greased sheet. Cover and let rise half hour. Bake at 400°F for ten minutes or until golden brown.
Melt butter and brush on top of pretzels and top with kosher salt or cinnamon sugar.
