In a medium bowl, mix together warm water, starter, yeast, and brown sugar; let stand until foamy, 5 to 10 minutes.

In the bowl of an electric mixer, combine flour and salt using your hands.

Add yeast mixture and, still using your hands or a wooden spoon, combine until a shaggy dough is formed and water is absorbed.

Using the dough hook attachment, mix the dough on medium-low speed until tight, elastic, and smooth. About 4 minutes. It will be slightly sticky. If it is too dry, add a tablespoon of water and mix for another 30 seconds. If too wet, add 1 tablespoon of flour.

Spray a large bowl with vegetable oil, set dough into the bowl, cover tightly with a lid or plastic wrap.

Let dough rise at room temperature for about one hour. It will rise a little. You are not looking for a big rise, but if you do get one, don’t worry, it’s okay.

Preheat oven to 350°F, with rack in the middle.

Lightly coat a baking sheet with cooking spray or cover with parchment paper.

Turn the dough onto a lightly oiled surface.

Gently shape the dough into a ball.

Cut dough into about eight pieces (16 if you are making dinner sized rolls)

Working with one piece at a time, fold the dough once over from all four sides. Pinch the edges and turn over.

Stretch the surface of the roll and slightly pull under and shape into a bun. It’s like you are shaping a mini boule.

In a wide pot, combine water, baking soda, beer(optional), and brown sugar.

Bring to a simmer over medium-high.

Simmer rolls upside down, one at a time, about 30 seconds each, holding them under the surface of the water, if necessary, with a wide slotted spoon or spatula.

The rolls will be soft and doughy when they come out of the water.

Transfer to a prepared baking sheet.

With a sharp knife, slice surface crosswise. (Make and x on the top)

Sprinkle rolls with pretzel salt and/or desired toppings, using one topping or combining different ones.

Transfer to oven and bake 25 to 30 minutes until the crust is golden. Cool rolls on a wire rack for 30 minutes before using for sandwich rolls. Dinner rolls can go straight from the oven to the table (so good!!)