Bagels

I am a huge fan of bagels....but its more of a northern thing. Making my own seems like a good idea when I do go to the few places to get them...I mean $3.25 for a bagel?

Ingredients:

-1 cup warm water
-3 cups unbleached white flour
-2 tablespoons sugar
-1-1/2 teaspoon salt
-1-1/2 teaspoon yeast
-sesame seeds, toasted

Except for sesame seeds, place all ingredients in bread machine and set for normal dough. (You may also add whatever seasoning you'd like for a flavored bagel at this step.) I always put the water on the bottom and the yeast on the top so it will not become immersed in the warm water until the cycle has started.

Let the machine knead once and then turn off the machine and set a timer for 20 minutes.

Cut into eight equal pieces. Roll each piece into a rope about 1 inch thick, wet ends and stick together. Transfer to a greased cookie sheet, cover, and let rest for 15 minutes in a warm place.

Fill a wok (or whatever you use) with about three inches of water. Place sugar in this water and bring to a boil. Add bagels for 1 minute, turning them as they boil. Drain. This might seem a but weird but it is what makes the crust harder then the doughy inside.



Return dough to the greased cookie sheet. Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds. Bake at 500 degrees F for 7-10 minutes, or until desired browning occurs.