Bagels

I found a recipe for homemade bagels a few years back and decided to give it a try. So good! I have made them a few times for friends and family and they always get rave reviews! I haven't made them much lately because of the low carb diet my hubby has to be on (and because we have been so busy), but I can't wait to make them again! Here is the link to the original recipe from Little Miss Foodie Two Shoes


4 cups flour (I have used both bread and all purpose flour and they don't see too different)
2 tsp. salt
1 tbs. honey (optional)
1 1/2 tsp. instant yeast
1 1/4 cups water (at 80 degrees)
Flour for dusting the baking sheet

1. In a large bowl, combine the flour, salt, and honey. Add the yeast and water; mix at the lowest speed until the dough comes together, about 4 minutes. The original recipe allows the mixer to knead the dough, but I am just not patient enough and have never done that. I just allow the dough to come together and take it out.

2. Turn the dough onto a work surface; divide it into 8 portions. Roll each portion into a ball and keep them covered with a clean towel or plastic wrap while you work with the other pieces.

3. Roll each ball under your palms making a rope(kind of like you probably used to do with Play Do when you were a kid). At this point is where I add in flavorings (chocolate chips, asiago cheese, sundried tomatoes, etc. Just press them randonly into the rope). Bring each end of the rope together making a circle, overlap the ends of the rope and pinch the overlapped area firmly together.

4. Put a dusting of flour onto a baking sheet (to prevent dough from sticking). Place rings of dough onto the sheet. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.

5. Remove the dough from the refrigerator. Preheat the oven to 450 degrees. Bring a large pot of water to a boil.

6. Drop the dough rings into the boiling water and allow to boil until slightly puffy (approx 1 minute). Remove the rings and allow to drain. Place onto prepared baking sheet. (If you want to use toppings- sesame seeds, salt, poppy seeds, parmesean cheese-sprinkle on at this point). Bake approx 15 minutes or until golden brown (I found mine didn't always brown on top, but the bottoms did cook, so check the bottom of the bagel to prevent burning). Allow to cool slightly and enjoy!

PS- our favorites were Asiago cheese with parmasean on top, chocolate chip, and sundried tomato.