In a small bowl combine the yeast, warm water, and sugar. Stir gently and let sit for five minutes.

After five minutes, add in the flour and salt, kneading gently with your hands.

Combine the olive oil and hot water together and slowly pour into the flour dough, kneading constantly, until a stick dough forms. Continue kneading for 5 minutes. If the dough seems dry add a small amount of water. If the dough seems to wet add a small amount of flour. Form the dough into a ball.

Spray a bowl with cooking spray and place the dough in the bowl. Turn to coat with the cooking spray. Cover the bowl with a towel and let it rise for 2 hours.

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.

Remove the dough from the bowl and cut it into 4 pieces. Roll each piece into a rectangle. Sprinkle with cheese, fresh herbs, your choice of filling (pepperoni or red peppers), and Parmesan cheese. Brush one of the long sides with the egg wash and begin rolling from the opposite side. Roll the dough into a long log trapping the toppings inside and then shape into a pretzel.

Place the pretzels on a baking sheet. Brush with the egg wash and sprinkle with Italian seasoning and Parmesan cheese.

Bake for 17-23 minutes or until the pretzels are golden brown. Serve with marinara sauce.