New York Style Bagels

1/2 cup warm water
4 -1/2 tsp sugar
2 tsp yeast
3- 1/2 cups bread flour (I used AP flour because that's what I had)
1-1/2 tsp salt

1 cup warm water
1 egg white + 1 tsp water, whisked together
Desired toppings: for example cinnamon/sugar, cheese, sesame seeds, salt & pepper, pepperoni, jalapeños  etc.

1.  Pour sugar and yeast into 1/2 cup warm water. Don’t stir. Let sit for 5 minutes.

2.  In a large mixing bowl, mix together flour and salt. Make a well in the center. Pour yeast mixture into the well and add 1/2 cup of the remaining water. Turn your mixer on low and slowly add the rest of the water. When the dough comes together, knead for 2 minutes. Spray bowl with cooking spray and turn dough once to coat. Cover with plastic wrap and let raise for 1 hour.

3.  Punch dough down and let rest for 10 minutes.

4.  Preheat oven to 425℉

5.  Cut dough in evenly half, then into quarters, then evenly into eight pieces.  Form dough pieces into bagels*

6.  Place on greased cookie sheet, and cover with a damp cloth for 10 minutes.

7.  Bring a large pot of water to a boil.  Place 2-3 bagels into the boiling water depending on how big your pan is. Boil for 1 1/2 -2 minutes on each side. Remove to parchment lined baking sheet.

8.  Brush with egg wash. Sprinkle with toppings if desired.

9.  Bake for 20 minutes or until golden brown. Remove bagels to cooling rack.

Makes 8 large bagels

*3 techniques to form bagels

1. Take each piece of dough and roll into an even ball, poke into the center to form bagel hole and stretch evenly.

2. Take the four corners of each of the piece of dough to the center and tuck into the middle and stretch to make a hole.   (This is the one I used)

3. Take each piece and roll into rope. Over lap the ends. Put your hand inside the loop and roll to form bagel.

Recipe by Amy Richardson

from Studio 5

Chicken Quesadillas

1-1/4 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into 1/2 squares
2 tsp. chili powder
1 tsp. cumin
3/4 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
4 tsp olive or vegetable oil, divided
2 cups chopped bell pepper (red, green your choice)
2/3 cup red onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 TBS fresh lime juice
6 (10 inch burrito size) flour tortillas
3 TBS butter, melted
6 oz cheddar cheese, shredded (1-1/2 cups)
6 oz. monterrey jack cheese, shredded (1-1/2 cups)
guacamole, sour cream, salsa, etc optional

1.  Toss chicken with chili powder, cumin, salt and pepper.

2.  Heat 2 tsp oil, in nonstick skillet.  Add chicken and cook and turn until fully cooked through, about 6 minutes.  Transfer to a bowl and set aside.

3. Heat remaining 2 tsp. oil in same skillet.  Add onion and peppers and saute until tender.  Add garlic in the last minute of sautéing. Pour into the bowl with chicken and add lime juice.  Toss to coat.

4.  Brush top sides of tortillas with melted butter.  Wipe out skillet with paper towels, and then heat over medium heat.

5.  Mix cheeses together.

6.  Transfer one tortilla buttered side down to skillet.  Evenly sprinkle 1/2 cup cheese and 3/4 cup chicken mixture on half the tortilla.  Fold top half over other half.  Cook on one side until golden brown about 2 minutes and then flip to other side.

7.  Repeat process with other tortillas, cheese and chicken until all cooked.  (You can probably fit 2 in the skillet at a time).

8.  Cut quesadillas into wedges if desired and serve with desired toppings.

from Yummly

Peanut Butter Balls

2 cups quick cook oats
1 cup creamy natural peanut butter (no sugar added)
1/4 cup honey
1/2 cup mini M&M candies (or use nuts, chocolate chips, coconut, etc)

1.  In a large bowl combine oats, peanut butter, and honey.  It will be pretty tough to stir and kinda sticky.

2. Add M & Ms and combine well.

3. Roll into 1 inch balls

4. Store in air-tight container and refrigerate.

From Six Sister's Stuff

Good for Ya Muffins (Banana Oatmeal)

1 egg
3/4 cup sugar
3 bananas, mashed
3/4 cup oil
1-1/2 cup flour
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. nutmeg
1 tsp. salt
2 tsp. cinnamon
1-3/4 cup quick oats
6 oz. chocolate chips
nuts (optional)

1.  Mix the egg, sugar, bananas, and oil together.

2.  Add the flour, baking soda, nutmeg, salt, and cinnamon and blend.

3.  Add the oats, chocolate chips and nuts if using. Mix well.

4.  Grease or line two muffin tins. (Makes 21-24 muffins.). Bake at 400℉. for 12-14 minutes.

from Liz