One way of thinking of it is that using rubato in a piece of music will give a performance of close to the same length as if the piece were played with a strict metronomic attack. The 'gives and takes' in a rubato performance balance out in the end.
When the lye solution is hot, just below a simmer, dip each pretzel in the lye solution for 10 or 15 seconds, then remove to your baking pan. Repeat with the others, sprinkle them with salt and bake for 12 to 15 minutes. Thereâs no end to the fun when you know the basic bread dough ratio!
What is food grade lye. Pure lye is by itself always food grade. There is nothing toxic about lye (although it's corrosive even at low-ish concentrations). When a manufacturer sells you food grade lye, they are guaranteeing you that it is not contaminated with anything unpleasant. doubt that you'll be able to make food grade lye, although it's easy to purchase. Harold McGee recommends making super-baking-soda by baking the soda and says the baked soda reasonably approximates lye for pretzels.