Bagels!

I made bagels last night!!!And I don't really even like them that much! I just got bored and knew that my mom and sister love them. I mean, doesn't everyone bake when they get bored? Or is it just me? hahahaha

Anyway, they turned out alright, I just have to remember to bake them longer the first time that they're in the oven. Bagel-making is a strange process because you broil them for like 4 minutes, boil them for 7, and broil again for about 30 minutes. So anyway, here's the recipe:

• 1 1/2 cups warm water (110 degrees)


• 2 pkgs dry yeast


• 2 tbsp sugar


• 2 tbsp salt


• 4 cups bread flour (up to 1 cup can be whole wheat flour for a nice flavor)

In a large mixing bowl combine 2 cups of the flour and the yeast. Add the water, sugar, and salt. Beat with an electric mixer on low to medium speed for 30 seconds. Beat on high speed for 3 minutes. Using a wooden spoon, stir in as much of the remaining flour as you can.

Turn dough onto floured surface. Knead in enough of the remaining flour to make a moderately stiff dough that is smooth and elastic (6 to 8 minutes total). Divide dough into 12 portions and shape into smooth balls. Cover dough and let rest for 10 minutes.

Working quickly, punch a hole in the center of each ball. Pull center of dough gently and evenly to make a 2-inch hole. Place on lightly greased baking sheet; cover and let rise 20 minutes (start timing after the first bagel is shaped).

While bagels are still rising, in a 12-inch skillet bring 6 cups of water to boiling. Preheat broiler.

Broil bagels 5 inches from heat 3 to 4 minutes, turning once (tops should not brown). Turn off broiler; preheat oven to 375 degree F.

Lower 6 bagels, 1 at a time, into boiling water. Reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, for 7 minutes, turning once.

Remove bagels with slotted spatula; set on paper towels. Repeat with remaining bagels.

Sprinkle clean baking sheet with semolina or cornmeal. Place bagels on baking sheet. Bake in a 375 degree F oven for 25 minutes or until golden. Cool on a wire rack. Makes 12 bagels.

Here's a pic of my bagels in the oven:



I actually halved the recipe, but instead of 6 bagels, I ended up with 4:

two chocolate chip and two plain.

And here's my cat, headed towards the kitchen:



Give me bagel!!!!

So, in other news, thank ya'll so much for the support of yesterday's post! I fully intend to meet my goals!!!!! =D

Well, I guess I had better be off......school calls my name!

What's your favorite type of bagel?

Any good bread recipes that you want to share?