Sourdough Soft Pretzels and Beer Cheese

Name: Sourdough Soft Pretzels and Beer Cheese
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 227 grams sourdough starter discard; 361 grams bread flour; 170 grams whole milk; 1 tablespoon non-diastatic malt powder (optional); 1 tablespoon granulated sugar; 2 teaspoons instant yeast; 1 1/2 teaspoons salt; 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (room temperature); 2 tablespoons baking soda (for boiling); pretzel salt (for topping); 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 2 tablespoons all purpose flour; 236 grams beer (I recommend an amber ale but choose your favorite! ); 227 grams white cheddar cheese (shredded); 1 clove garlic (minced (optional)); 1/2 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper; salt and pepper (to taste)