Chewy Homemade Bagels

Ingredients

·       1 ½ cups warm water

·       2 ¾ tsp instant yeast

·       2 cups all-purpose flour

·       2 cups bread flour

·       1 tbsp brown sugar

·       2 tsp salt

For the boiling steps

·       1 tbsp sugar

·       1 tsp baking soda

·       Water

Instructions 

1.      Prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper. Set aside.

2.      Stir brown sugar to warm water and add yeast. Allow to set for about five minutes until the yeast dissolves and blooms.

3.      Add flours, sugar and salt to a stand mixer with the dough hook attachment.

4.      Once the yeast has bloomed, add the mixture to the flour mixture and mix on low until they come together slightly (will look dry).

5.      Continue mixing on low for about 6 additional minutes. (if the dough is too sticky add more flour a tablespoon at the time)

6.      At the end of 6 minutes bread off a small dough chunk and stretch between your fingers. The dough should not break and you should be able to stretch until the layer is thin enough to see light through. (This is called a windowpane test).

7.      Oil a medium to large sized bowl and place dough inside. Cover with plastic wrap.

8.      Place bowl in a warm spot in your kitchen to rise for 50-90 minutes or until the dough had doubled in size.

9.      Remove dough from the mixer bowl, punch down and divide into 8 equal pieces. Roll into balls and set aside.

10. Preheat oven to 450F

11. Prepare water for boiling by filling a medium sized pot 2/3 full of water and add sugar and baking soda. Bring to a boil.

12. Press a hole into the center of each bagel and stretch slightly. Add 2 bagels to boiling water and boil for about 15 seconds each side.

13. Remove bagels with a slotted spoon and set on the prepared baking sheet.

14. When all bagels are boiled place in preheated oven and bake for 20-23 minutes or until golden brown.

15. Cool bagels on a wire rack.

16. Slice and enjoy with your favorite toppings.

Need a cozy drink for yourself or someone who doesn't love regular hot cocoa? Why not try this White Chocolate Lemon version. It's delicious and totally worth the effort.

For more recipes and a cozy tale read A Fellowship of Bakers & Magic.

Lemon Hot Chocolate (One large serving)

• 1 ½ cups 2% Milk
• 1.5 ounces white chocolate baking chips or chopped white chocolate
• ¼ tsp. lemon extract
• Whipped cream (optional)
• ½-1 tsp Lemon zest (optional)

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1.      Add milk and white chocolate to a medium low saucepan and whisk until the white chocolate is melted.

2.      Continue whisking until liquid is warm (about 136 degrees)

3.      Removed from heat and add lemon extra

4.      Serve in a mug with whipped cream and lemon zest sprinkled on top.

5.      Enjoy!