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