Ingredients (plain bagels)
1 cup warm water
3 tbsp brown sugar
1 tbsp yeast
1 tbsp oil
1 egg (beaten)
1 tsp salt
2 1/2 to 3 cups flour
1/4 cup honey; boiling water
Optional: egg wash: 1 egg + 2 tbsp milk
seasame seeds for toppings
Cinnamon/Raisin Bagels: Add 2 tsp cinnamon and 1 cup raisins.
Strawberry Bagels: Add 2 cups finely chopped strawberries; 1 tsp strawberry flavouring; 1/2 tsp vanilla (NOTE: the juice from the strawberries will likely mean you’ll need to add a little more flour. Judge accordingly)
Directions
Add warm water, sugar, yeast, oil, egg and salt in a large bowl (or use your Kitchen Aide mixer); beat for 30 seconds or so. Add 1 cup of flour and mix using a fork or whisk until there are no lumps or clumps. Add ½ cup flour and beat again until the dough is smooth. Repeat with another ½ cup flour.
TIP: The more you mix/beat the dough the better.
Sprinkle ½ cup of flour over the dough and work it through. Start kneading as soon as it is no longer sticky, adding flour as needed. Check consistency and if too wet sprinkle a little more flour. Knead for approx 10 minutes. Form into a ball, grease with a little oil, cover and set aside to rise (approx. 1 hr 20 min).
Punch down dough; form in circle and cut into 8 wedges; form each wedge in ball. To make the hole, poke the top of your thumb or finger through the centre and then use 2 fingers to widen the hole to about 1.5 – 2 inches. Place on flat surface, cover and let rest for 20 minutes.
Add water and honey to a large pot and bring to a boil. Add bagels (4 at a time) to boiling water and boil for 25 to 30 seconds each side. sprinkle sesame seeds over top. Place on cookie sheet lined with parchment paper; brush with egg wash (optional).
Bake at 400° for 20 minutes.
