Water Bagels

I have had many requests for this recipe through Facebook and promised to put it on Pinterest.  However, I am challenged as to how to get this on Pinterest, other than to point to my blog.  So here you have it, my friends, a recipe for the yummiest bagels you will ever encounter.  Don't let the multiple steps deter you from trying this recipe.  They are relatively easy and so good!

WATER BAGELS

INGREDIENTS:

4 to 5 cups un-sifted flour

1 tbsp. salt

1 - 1/2 cups very warm tap water

1 egg white, beaten

3 tbsps. sugar

1 pkg. yeast

1 tbsp. cold water

STEP 1:  Mix thoroughly: 1 and 1/2 cups flour, sugar, salt and un-dissolved yeast.  Gradually add tap water to dry ingredients and beat two minutes at medium with electric mixer.  Add 1/2 cup flour.  Beat at high speed for 2 minutes.  Stir in enough additional flour to make a soft dough.  Knead until smooth and elastic (about 8 to 10 minutes).  Place in ungreased bowl.  Cover, let rise in warm place for 20 minutes (dough will not double in bulk).

Note:  I have successfully used the dough setting on my bread maker to prepare the dough to this point.

STEP 2:  Punch dough down and divide into 12 equal portions.  Pat into a bagel shaped circle and punch a hole in the middle with your finger.  Place on ungreased baking sheet.  Cover and let rise in warm place for 20 minutes (dough will not double in bulk).

STEP 3:  Boil about 2 inch depth of water in large shallow pan.  Lower heat and add a few bagels at a time.  Simmer 7 minutes, covering with lid during part of this time).  Remove from water and place on a towel to cool for 5 minutes.  Place back on ungreased baking sheet.

STEP 4:  Bake bagels at 375 degrees for 10 minutes.  While they are baking, whisk egg white and water together.  Remove bagels from the oven and brush egg white/water mixture over them so they will become a golden brown.  Return to oven and bake 20 minutes longer, or until golden brown.  Remove from baking sheet and cool on wire racks.