Recipe for Basic Bagels

Basic Bagels

Ingredients

.....3 1/4 to 3 1/2 cups all purpose flour, divided
.....3 tablespoons sugar
.....2 packages dry yeast
.....1/2 teaspoon salt
.....1 cup warm water (120 to 130 degrees)
.....1 tablespoon all purpose flour
.....Vegetable cooking spray
.....3 1/2 quarts water
.....1 tablespoon sugar
.....1 teaspoon salt
.....1 egg white
.....1 tablespoon water

Preparation

Combine 1 1/2 cups all purpose flour, 3 tablespoons sugar, dry yeast, and 1/2 teaspoon salt in a large bowl, stirring well. Add warm water. Beat mixture at medium speed of an electric mixer 2 minutes. Gradually stir in enough of the remaining 2 cups all purpose flour to make a stiff dough.

Sprinkle 1 tablespoon flour over work surface. Turn dough out onto floured surface, and knead until smooth and elastic (8 to 10 minutes). Place dough in a large bowl coated with cooking spray, turning to coat top. Cover and let rise in a warm place (85 degrees), free from drafts, 1 hour or until doubled in bulk.

Punch down dough; cover and let rise 15 minutes. Divide dough into 15 equal portions. Shape each portion into a ball. Punch a hole through each ball, using a floured finger.

Bring 3 1/2 quarts water, 1 tablespoon sugar, and 1 teaspoon salt to a boil in a large Dutch oven. Reduce heat. Drop bagels, a few at a time, into gently boiling water. Simmer 1 minute on each side. Drain on paper towels.

Place bagels on a baking sheet coated with cooking spray. Combine egg white and 1 tablespoon water, stirring well; brush over bagels. Bake at 375 degrees for 25 minutes or until golden.

Yield: 15 bagels