Water Bagels (Plain)

Directions

1. 1
   In a large bowl thoroughly mix 1 1/2 cups flour, sugar, salt and undissolved yeast.
2. 2
   Gradually add warm water to dry ingredients and beat for 2 minutes with electric mixer (at medium speed), scrape bowl occasionally.
3. 3
   Add 1/2 cup flour.
4. 4
   Beat at high speed for 2 minutes, scraping bowl.
5. 5
   Stir in enough additional flour to make a soft dough (about 2 to 2 1/2 cups).
6. 6
   Turn dough on to a lightly floured board and knead until smooth and elastic (about 10 minutes).
7. 7
   Place dough in ungreased bowl, cover and let rise in warm, draft free place for 20 minutes.
8. 8
   (Dough will NOT be doubled in bulk.) Punch dough down and turn out on to a lightly floured board.
9. 9
   Roll dough into a rectangle, 12 x 10 inches.
10. 10
    Cut dough into 12 equal strips, 1 x 10 inches each.
11. 11
    Pinch ends of strips together to form a circle.
12. 12
    Place on ungreased baking sheets.
13. 13
    Cover and let rise in warm, draft free place for 20 minutes.
14. 14
    (Dough will NOT be doubled in bulk.) In a large shallow pan, boil a 1 3/4 inch depth of water.
15. 15
    Lower heat and add a few bagels at a time.
16. 16
    Simmer bagels for 7 minutes (3 1/2 minutes on each side).
17. 17
    Remove bagels from water and place on a towel to cool.
18. 18
    Cool bagels for 5 minutes, then place them on ungreased baking sheets.
19. 19
    Bake bagels at 375°F for 10 minutes.
20. 20
    In a small bowl, beat egg white with cold water.
21. 21
    Remove bagels from oven and brush with egg white/water mixture.
22. 22
    Return bagels to oven and bake about 20 minutes longer, or until done.
23. 23
    Remove bagels from baking sheets and cool on wire rack.