Bagels!

The title has an exclamation point because I am so excited! I have been wanting to try my hand at bagels and even had a few recipes in mind (like this one and this one) but the one I decided to go with didn't require me to go to the grocery store and didn't require me to have a starter from the night before. I had all of the ingredients for these and they took under 2 hours from start to finish!

FYI--The missing bite is not from me. Or the dog.

INGREDIENTS:

~4 c AP flour + some extra

1 pkg active dry yeast

1 1/2 c warm water

1/4 c sugar

1 t salt

6 c water

In a large mixing bowl combine 2 cups of the flour and the yeast. Add the water, 3 T of the sugar and salt. Mix with the dough hook on your stand mixer on low to medium speed for 30 seconds. Beat on high speed for 3 minutes. Add another 2 cups of flour and continue mixing until well combined.

Turn dough onto floured surface. Knead in enough of the flour to make a moderately stiff dough that is smooth and elastic. Cover dough and let rest for 10 minutes.

Turn dough again onto floured surface. Divide dough into 12 portions and shape into smooth balls. 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, preheat broiler on low. Also bring 6 cups of water and the remaining 1 T of sugar to a boil in a wide, deep skillet. Preheat broiler on low.

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

Using tongs, lower half of the bagels, into boiling water. Reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, for 7 minutes, turning once.

Remove bagels from water and drain on paper towels. Repeat with other half.

Place bagels on greased baking sheet. Bake for 20 minutes and then flip bagels and bake another 10 minutes.

Let cool before enjoying!

VERDICT:

I am offically going to pursue my lifelong dream of owning a bakery. These are AH-MAY-ZING! Very soft on the inside yet just a little chewy on the outside. And just look at those golden edges! I cannot wait to try making different varieties.

Stop reading and go make these!

SOURCE:

Better Homes & Gardens