Basic Bagel Recipe

Directions

1. 1
   Combine hot water, yeast and sugar.
2. 2
   Let stand 5 min, stir in salt.
3. 3
   Gradually fold in 4 c. of flour, beat at medium speed for 5 min.
4. 4
   With spoon add in 1 1/4 c. more flour to make a stiff dough.
5. 5
   Turn out on a floured board and knead till smooth, elastic, and no longer sticky (about 15 min), 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 till almost doubled
8. 8
   (about 40 min).
9. 9
   Knead dough lightly and divide into 12 equal pcs.
10. 10
    To shape, knead each piece, forming it into a smooth ball.
11. 11
    Holding ball with both hands, poke your thumbs through the center.
12. 12
    With one thumb in hole, work around perimeter, shaping bagel like a doughnut 3 to 3 1/2 inches across.
13. 13
    Place shaped bagels on lightly floured board, cover lightly and let stand in a hot place for 20 min.
14. 14
    Bring the 3 qts of water and 1 Tbsp 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.
18. 18
    Gently lift one bagel at a time and drop into water, boil about 4 at a time, turning often, for 5 min.
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 water.
21. 21
    Bake 35 - 40 min, or possibly till well browned and crusty.
22. 22
    Cold on rack.
23. 23
    WHOLE WHEAT BAGELS: Follow basic recipe, omitting sugar.
24. 24
    Use 3 Tbsp honey instead.
25. 25
    In place of flour, use 2 c. whole wheat flour, 1/2 c. wheat germ, and about 2 3/4 c. all purpose flour, blended together.
26. 26
    Knead with white flour.
27. 27
    PUMPERNICKEL BAGELS: Follow basic recipe, omitting sugar.
28. 28
    Use 3 Tbsp dark molasses in place ofsugar.
29. 29
    In place of flour use 2 c. rye, 2 c. whole wheat, 1 3/4 c. all purpose flour blended together.
30. 30
    Knead with white flour.
31. 31
    ONION BAGELS: Add in 1/2 c. instant toasted onion to basic dough with the yeast , water and sugar in basic recipe.
32. 32
    SEEDED BAGELS: Sprinkle boiled bagels with sesame seed, poppy seed, or possibly caraway seed after using egg wash and before baking.