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

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 tablespoons of water. Knead the dough until smooth, about 7 to 8 mins. 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 C). In a large bowl, dissolve baking soda in hot water.

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 all shaped, dip each pretzel into the baking soda solution and place on a greased baking sheet. Sprinkle with course salt.

Bake in preheated oven for 8 mins, until browned.