Bagels

Ingredients

Makes 7-8 bagels

2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast

1 tbs sugar

1 1/4 cup warm water (1 packages of yeast)

2 1/2 cups bread flour

1 cup wheat flour

1 1/2 tsp salt

Fixins

Shredded Cheddar & Sliced Jalapenos

Shredded Asiago

Everything: Poppy Seeds, Sesame Seeds, Dried Garlic and Dried Onions

Directions:

Add the yeast and sugar into a measuring cup with 1/2 cup of warm water. Pour the water in yeast mixture so that it gets to the bottom of the measuring cup, do not stir. Let the yeast mixture sit for 5-7 minutes until it is foamy. 

Place the flour and salt into a large mixing bowl and mix while making a well in the center of the flour. Pour the yeast mixture into the well and use a dough hook on your mixer (or stand mixer) to combine. Pour in the rest of the water a little at a time while mixing with the dough hook. Add more water if needed until a smooth dough forms. 

Put the flour mixture onto floured surface and knead the dough for about 10 minutes until a firm, smooth elastic dough forms. Shape the dough into a ball and place into a lightly oiled bowl, tightly cover with plastic wrap and a tea towel. Place in a warm place* and let the dough rise for 1 hour or until doubled. 

Once the dough has doubled in size, punch it down then divide into 7-8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a smooth round ball. Make a hole in the center of the ball and twirl around your finger until a large hole is formed. 

Place the bagels on a non-stick pan, cover with the plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for 10 minutes. 

While the dough is rising preheat the oven to 425 degrees. Fill a large pot 3/4 full with water and bring to a boil then reduce to a medium high heat. Place the bagels in the water and let the bagels cook for 2 minutes on each side. 

Remove the bagels from the water with a slotted spoon, shaking off excess water then place back on the non-stick baking sheet. Repeat until all bagels are done. Place the fixins of your choice on each bagel and bake for 20-25 minutes, until bagels are golden. 

Remove from the oven and let cool completely before serving or storing.

What is your favorite way to dress a bagel? 

My favorite bagel is an asiago bagel with cream cheese, avocado and sliced tomato.