Bagels

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For some reason I just never bothered to make bagels. I have no idea why though. I was spending money on what is basically just bread that has taken a trip through some boiling water. Anyway, they are extremely easy to make, even if you have little to know bread experience. If you add onion like I did be sure to let them cool before eating them or you’ll be getting some seriously strong onion flavor.

Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 2c Warm water (110F).
• 2 pkg active dry yeast.
• 3-5 tbsp Honey.
• 5 1/2c AP flour.
• 1 tbsp Salt.
• 1 tsp Baking soda.

Optional:

• 1 1/2 tbsp garlic powder.
• 1/3 - 1/2 grated onion (See directions).
• Poppy seeds.
• Sesame seeds.
• Any other bagel toppings.
• Cornmeal.

Recipe:

1. Combine the water, yeast and honey and let them sit until there is a nice foam on the water.
2. Add the salt and any other ingredients that are going to be worked into the dough (such as onion or garlic).
3. Slowly incorporate the flour and knead for 10 minutes or until you get a very stiff dough.
4. This dough is going to need some hand work; it was too thick for even my nice Kitchenaid mixer.
5. Move the dough to a well-greased bowl and cover it with plastic wrap. Let it sit until it’s almost doubled, or about an hour.
6. Punch the dough down. Do not roll it out.
7. Divide the dough into fairly equal sized pieces. About 10-12.
8. Roll each piece into a 6-8″ log.
9. Wrap the dough around 2-3 fingers to create a hole in the center.
10. Press and roll the ends together so there are little to no seams.
11. Preheat the oven to 400F.
12. Let the dough rise, covered, for another 30 minutes.
13. Bring a large pot of water to boil.
14. For a darker, pretzel-like crust add 1 tbsp baking soda.
15. Boil the bagels for 1 minute, turning them several times.
16. Place the bagels on a well-greased baking sheet. Whichever side is facing up now will be the bottom.
17. Dust the bagel bottoms with cornmeal. If you want a topping on the bagels (such as seeds) you can either wait a bit or sprinkle the bagel tops before you flip them out onto the sheet.
18. Place the bagels in the oven for 5 min, then flip them over.
19. If you still want to add topping, now is the time. If they don’t seem to stick, lightly brush the top with water (Or an egg white, well beaten) and coat the bagels.
20. Set the bagels back in the oven for about 30 min or until they are a nice golden brown. If you used baking soda they will look much darker. See gallery images. Be careful to avoid accidentally burning the ones in the back.