Bagels!

My friend Rebecca definitely has domain over these, but I had to give them a try.

I mean, they're amazing and so delicious, how could I not make them on my own? Also, I've been craving carbs like woah. I try not to keep many around the house - it helps keep the weight down - but once in a while certainly can't hurt. I think, before I get crazy, I'll start with some plain bagels - no frills, no bacon maple bagels, nothing crazy at first.

Bagels, plain and tall

2 tsp active dry yeast (1 package, but the measurement is handy for future reference in case of multiplying/dividing the recipe)
1 1/4 cups warm water
1 1/2 tsp sugar

3 1/2 cups flour (plus more for dusting)
1 1/2 tsp salt

Dissolve the yeast and sugar in the 1/2 cup of the water for 5 minutes. Don't stir the mixture. After the five minutes, stir the mixture. In another large bowl combine the flour and salt, and make a well in the center. Add the water/yeast mixture and half of the remaining water (3/8 of a cup for those keeping count). Mix and add more of the water until the dough comes together. It will be a little wet but still very firm.

Knead the dough for 10 minutes on a lightly dusted surface - a countertop works great, the back of your pet cat, not so much. After you've finished kneading, place the ball of dough (which should be smooth and elastic by now) in another bowl that's been lightly coated with oil. Cover with a damp towel and place in a warm, draft-free area to rise for about one hour.

Once the hour is over, punch the dough down. Yeah, I guess that means to physically punch the dough. Let it rest for 10 minutes. Divide it into 8 equal pieces (or as close to equal as you can manage). Shape each dough into a ball. Coat your finger in flour and press it through, slowly stretching the hole until it's about a third of the diameter of the entire bagel. The holes will close up when boiling so yeah, aim for width. Place bagels on an oiled baking sheet and let rest for 10 minutes.



In the mean time preheat your oven to 425 degrees and set a large pot of water on to boil. Carefully place the bagels in the boiling water and let boil about 2 minutes per side for delicious, chewy bagels. Remove to a paper towel or piece of parchment paper as you boil the rest. Very carefully place the boiled bagels on a lightly oiled baking sheet, and bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes until beautiful and golden brown.



Mmmm... part of a delicious an nutritious breakfast.



Considering my fear of doughs and kneading, I definitely think these guys were a success. In the future, I'll definitely be sure to add more water into the dough and more flour in the kneading process, and probably make sure to knead even more thoroughly, heh.

Still to come: banana bread, curry, cookies YUM!