Bagels

Our family loves these! They take a little while to make, but the process is easy and the results are well worth it. We usually have friends over when we make these so I always make a double batch. 

1 c. warm water

1 ½ tsp. salt

2 Tbsp. sugar

3 c. flour

2 ¼ tsp. active dry yeast

     In a Bosch or Kitchen Aid mixer, add ingredients and mix them with the bread hook implement on low until incorporated. Then turn to next speed (#2 or medium) and let it go for 5-8 minutes.

When the dough is done...

--Bring 3 quarts water to boil in a large pot. Stir in 3 Tbsp. of sugar.

--Place dough on a lightly floured surface. Let dough rest for 5 minutes.

--Cut dough into 9 equal pieces. Roll each into a smooth ball. Flatten balls and poke a hole in the middle of each with your thumb. Next twirl the dough to enlarge the hole and even out the dough around it. Cover bagels with a clean cloth and let rest for 10 minutes.

--With a large metal spatula, carefully transfer bagels to boiling water, three at a time. Let boil for 1 minute, turning bagels over midway. Remove bagels from water with a slotted spoon and drain briefly on a clean towel. Transfer drained bagels to baking sheets lined with a silicone baking mat. (Alternatively, sprinkle cookie sheet with cornmeal or use cooking spray. I put all 9 on the same cookie sheet.)

--Glaze tops of bagels with egg white and sprinkle with any of the following toppings:

Italian seasoning and garlic (we call them pizza bagels), cinnamon sugar (our favorite), coarse salt, dry onions, Cajun spice, poppy seeds, sesame seeds, or everything bagel seasoning.  Bake bagels in 375° oven for 15-18 minutes, until light brown. Eat plain or with butter or cream cheese. So good!!