Bagels

I actually put of making these for a long time.  Like, six months or a year, during which I really *wanted* to make homemade bagels, but somehow I couldn't do it.

Why?  Because I thought they were hard to make!  In fact, I thought they would take all day, be easy to screw up, and generally be a finicky bread recipe.

But, come on.  These are bagels.  There is nothing finicky or annoying about them -- they are just easy, totally simple, and immensely satisfying.  Smeared with a pat of butter or jam, you have an easy, simple, and completely delicious.  Plus, I froze about two thirds of this batch, and they're easy to defrost in a toaster oven and make a perfect on-the-way-to-work snack.  As an extra tip, I like to cut them in half before freezing them -- instant portion control for those days you're just not that hungry in the morning.

So, I think you should make these. I know I end a very significant percentage of my posts this way, but it's because I genuinely love these recipes, and nothing makes me happier than hearing from you guys when you make them and email me about them! Sincerely, nothing makes me happier than those moments. So, well, go make these. Please. If only to make my day!

Bagels

INGREDIENTS:

2 cups white whole wheat flour

1 cup bread flour

2 tbsp sugar

1 tsp salt

1 package active dry yeast

3/4 cup warm water

DIRECTIONS:

Proof the yeast in 1/4 cup of water until frothy. Mix the yeast mixture, the rest of the water, salt, sugar, and both flours and knead for 5-10 minutes. Allow the to rise in a greased bowl, covered with saran wrap, for about an hour. Punch the dough down, and let it rest on a lightly floured surface.

Meanwhile, in a large pot bring a pot of water to a boil. Stir in 3 tablespoons of sugar. Cut dough into 9 equal pieces, and roll each piece into a small ball. Poke a hole in the middle of each, and pull the dough gently to enlarge the hole. Prepare a baking sheet with parchment or silipat and preheat your oven to 375 degrees,

Carefully transfer bagels to boiling water, and boil for 1 minute, turning halfway through. Drain briefly after taking each bagel out of the water, and place it on the baking sheet. Sprinkle them with your choice of toppings (sea salt, poppy seeds, sesame seeds, etc). Bake at 375 degrees for 20 minutes, or until lightly browned.