In a small bowl, dissolve yeast and 1 teaspoon sugar in 1 1/4 cup warm water. Let stand until foamy, 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 coat a large bowl in oil. Place dough in the bowl. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 hour.

Preheat oven to 450 degrees F. Grease 2 baking sheets.

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

Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface and divide into 12 equal pieces.

Roll each piece into a rope and twist into a heart 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.