Bagel Making

Neil and I both love to cook and after I posted the pic of the everything bagel the other day Neil suggested we have a go last night.

We used a variation on the recipe I linked previous which you can see in it's altered form below as there were a few things that we didn't have in the cupboard.  This recipe makes 6 bagels and if you can get through them as quickly as us, I would recommend doubling up!

Ingredients:
1 cup warm water
1/4 ounce active dry yeast (1/4 oz package envelope)
1 1/2 tablespoons granulated sugar
2 1/2 cups plain flour, divided
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vegetable oil, divided
1 1/2 teaspoons granulated sugar
Nob of butter, melted
Toasted chopped onion & 3 garlic cloves

Directions:
Prep Time: 2 1/2 hrs
Total Time: 3 1/4 hrs

1. Combine the warm water, yeast, and the 1.5 Tablespoons of granulated sugar in a mixer with a dough hook. Let stand 5 minutes until the yeast activates and the mixture becomes foamy.

2. Gradually add 2 cups of the flour and the salt and mix with dough hook until combined.

3. Slowly add the additional 1/2 cup flour while working with your hands. Turn onto a lightly floured surface and continue to knead until smooth and no longer sticky (add up to 1/2 cup more flour if necessary).

4 Grease a large bowl with 1/2 teaspoon vegetable oil and roll the dough ball to cover all sides. Cover and let rise in a warm spot for about an hour (or until almost double in size).

5. After an hour, punch the dough down and divide into 6 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a 6" log and combine the ends with a little moisture (make sure they are joined or you will end up with cresents).

6. Place the bagels on a greased baking sheet, cover, and let rise again for 20 to 30 minutes (no longer).

7. Preheat oven to 200 degrees Celsius.

8. Bring a large pot of water, flavored with the 1.5 teaspoon of sugar, to a boil. Drop the bagels into the water and boil for aprox 30 seconds on each side.

9. Upon removal from the boiling water, place the bagels onto an oiled baking sheet. Place into a preheated 200 degree Celsius oven.

10. Bake for 5 minutes. Remove and brush with an egg yolk. Top with desired toppings and put back into the oven for 20 to 25 minutes. After 15 minutes, turn oven down to 135 degrees Celsius. Remove when golden brown and hollow sounding.

11. Cool on a wire rack or if like us gobble immediately.

Boiling the bagels

Preparing for the first bake

Buttering them up before the final bake

Baking nicely in the oven