Perfect Homemade Bagels

I have always wanted to try my hand at making bagels. This was the first recipe I tried. After tasting them, I have never tried another bagel recipe!  :)  I have added different toppings & even added some berries. Any way I make them I never make enough.

Don't let this fool you with the lengthy instructions, they really are very simple to make. Now get to it...you will thank me later!

4 C. lukewarm water

4 TBSP. Yeast~ I use Red Star Yeast

1 C. Brown Sugar (packed)

4 tsp. Salt

2 TBSP. Cinnamon

10 C. Flour

Combine the water and  yeast together, let sit for 2 minutes. 
Then add in the Brown sugar.
 Allow yeast to foam. (about 10 minutes). 
Transfer mixture to a Mixer bowl, add in salt, cinnamon and flour.
 Allow to mix on high for 10 minutes.
 Remove from bowl onto a greased counter top.

Form in to 9-12 balls.
Allow them to rise for 15 minutes.
 Using your thumb poke a hole into the center of each ball. 
Stretch out a bit, cover and rise for another 10-15 minutes.

While the dough is rising bring a few quarts of water to a boil,
 with 3 TBSP of sugar dissolved in it.

Now drop about 3-4 bagels into the boiling water.
 Let cook on each side for 40 seconds.
 Remove from water and drain on a cloth.
 (DO NOT use paper towels!)
 Transfer to a baking sheet covered with parchment paper
 or a silpat.  Next beat 2 eggs with 2 tsp. water. 
Brush the egg wash onto each bagel.
 Then add your desired topping. 
My family's favorite is Cinn/Sugar sprinkled on top.

Preheat oven to 400

Bake each sheet for 10 minutes. Let cool on wire rack.

*These also freeze very well!*

Come back and let me know what toppings are your favorite to add.

Lark