Bagels

MMMMM----- Recipe via Meal-Master (tm) v8.04

Title: Bagels
Categories: Polkadot, Faylen, Breads
Yield: 12 Bagels

1 pk Yeast
1 1/2 c Warm water (110 degrees)
4 1/2 To 5 c flour
2 ts Salt
2 tb Sugar

Combine yeast and 1/2 c warm water in measuring cup, stirring with a
fork until dissolved. Combine 2 c flour, salt, and sugar in bowl. Add
dissolved yeast and remaining 1 c of warm water. Beat vigorously with
whisk or spoon for 2 minutes. Gradually add enough of remaining
flour, 1/4 c at a time, to make a soft dough. Turn out of bowl. Knead
until smooth and elastic, adding as little flour as necessary, about
8-10 minutes. (don't skimp on the kneading!) Place dough in a bowl,
cover with plastic wrap, put in warm place to rise until doubled in
size. (45-60 minutes. Watch carefully.)

Punch down dough and divide into 12 equal portions (about 3-4 oz each.
Weigh dough on a kitchen scale for accuracy and even size.) Form into
smooth balls, gently pulling sides of dough down and tucking ends
underneath. Place on floured surface. Let rest 10 minutes.

Using a finger or wooden spoon handle, punch a hole in the center of
each piece and twirl or stretch into a bagel shape. Cover with a
towel and let rest 20-30 minutes.

Bring to a boil 6 cups of water, 1 Tbsp sugar and 1 Tbsp salt in a
large shallow pan. Gently drop 3 or 4 bagels at a time into the
simmering water. Poach first side 2 minutes, turn to cook other side
2 minutes. Remove bagels from water with a slotted spoon and place on
a towel to cool.

Over the sink, brush each bagel with egg white wash (1 egg white
mixed with 1 Tbsp water). You may now sprinkle bagel with salt, poppy
seeds, minced garlic or onion, sesame seeds, whatever suits your
fancy. Place bagels on a greased baking sheet and bake at 375 degrees
for 30 minutes. If you like your crust crispy rather than chewy, bake
at 375 degrees for 10 minutes, then brush on the egg wash and
sprinkle with desired topping and return bagels to oven for 20
minutes more.

Remove from baking sheet and cool on wire racks.

* The Polka Dot Palace BBS 1-201-822-3627. Posted by FAYLEN

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