Bagels

Directions

1. 1
   Combine warm water, yeast and sugar.
2. 2
   Let stand 5 minutes, stir in salt.
3. 3
   Gradually mix in 4 cups (950 ml) of flour, beat at medium speed for 5 minutes.
4. 4
   With spoon add 1-1/4 cups (300 ml) more flour to make a stiff dough.
5. 5
   Turn out on a floured board and knead until smooth, elastic, and no longer sticky (about 15 minutes), adding more flour as needed.
6. 6
   Dough should be firmer than for most yeast breads.
7. 7
   Place in a greased bowl, cover, let rise until almost doubled (about 40 minutes).
8. 8
   Knead dough lightly and divide into 12 equal pieces.
9. 9
   To shape, knead each piece, forming it into a smooth ball.
10. 10
    Holding ball with both hands, poke your thumbs through the center.
11. 11
    With one thumb in hole, work around perimeter, shaping bagel like a doughnut 3 to 3 1/2 inches across.
12. 12
    Place shaped bagels on lightly floured board, cover lightly and let stand in a warm place for 20 minutes.
13. 13
    Bring the 3 quarts (2850 ml) water and 1 Tbsp (15 ml).
14. 14
    sugar to boiling in large kettle.
15. 15
    Adjust heat to keep it boiling gently.
16. 16
    Lightly grease baking sheet and sprinkle with cornmeal.
17. 17
    Heat oven to 400 degrees (200 C.).
18. 18
    Gently lift one bagel at a time and drop into water, boil about 4 at a time, turning often, for 5 minutes.
19. 19
    Lift out with slotted spatula, drain briefly on a towel and place on baking sheet.
20. 20
    Brush with glaze made with 1 egg yolk and 1 Tbsp (15 ml) water.
21. 21
    Bake 35 - 40 minutes, or until well browned and crusty.
22. 22
    Cool on rack.
23. 23
    Follow basic recipe, omitting sugar.
24. 24
    Use 3 Tbsp (45 ml).
25. 25
    honey instead.
26. 26
    In place of flour, use 2 cups (475 ml) whole wheat flour, 1/2 cup (125 ml) wheat germ, and about 2-3/4 cups (650 ml) all purpose flour, blended together.
27. 27
    Knead with white flour.
28. 28
    Follow basic recipe, omitting sugar.
29. 29
    Use 3 Tbsp (45 ml) dark molasses in place of sugar.
30. 30
    In place of flour use 2 cups (475 ml) rye, 2 cups (475 ml) whole wheat, 1-3/4 cups (425 ml) all purpose flour blended together.
31. 31
    Knead with white flour.
32. 32
    Add 1/2 cup (125 ml) instant toasted onion to basic dough with the yeast , water and sugar in basic recipe.
33. 33
    Sprinkle boiled bagels with sesame seed, poppy seed, or caraway seed after using egg wash and before baking.