In a small bowl, dissolve yeast and 1 teaspoon sugar in 1 1/4 cup warm water. Let stand until creamy, about 10 minutes

In a large bowl, mix together flour, 1/2 cup sugar, and salt.

Make a well in the center add the oil and yeast mixture

Mix and form into a dough. If the mixture is dry, add one or two more tablespoons of water.

Knead the dough until smooth, about 7 to 8 minutes

Lightly oil a large bowl, place the dough in the bowl, and turn to coat with oil. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 hour

Preheat oven to 450°F (230 degrees C). Grease 2 baking sheets

In a large bowl, dissolve baking soda in 4 cups hot water; set aside

When risen, turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface and divide into 12 equal pieces

Roll each piece into a rope and twist into a pretzel shape. Once all of the dough is shaped, dip each pretzel into the baking soda-hot water solution and place pretzels on baking sheets

Sprinkle with kosher salt. Bake in preheated oven until browned, about 8 minutes