Emilys Rockin Bagels - yeast

Method

• In a bowl add 2 tablespoons of yeast, 1 tablespoon of sugar and 1 1/2 cups of warm water.
• Stir mixture to help mix any clumps of yeast.
• Let mixture foam, about 10 minutes.
• Stir 4 cups flour and 1 tablespoon of salt gradually into yeast mixture.
• Mix until mixture becomes one large ball of dough.
• Kneed on lightly floured surface until dough has the constancy of a baby's bottom when you press a few fingers into it (I though this sounded odd, but it's the best way to describe the consistency).
• Place dough in bowl at least twice it's size, cover the bowl with a tea towel and place someplace warm or without a draft.
• Let dough rise until doubled, about 1 hour.
• Fill a large pot with water to boil (stock pot).
• Add 2 T sugar and 1 T salt to water.
• Punch down dough and form into a long narrow piece of dough (maybe 15x5 inches).
• Cut dough into 12 pieces.
• Take dough in palm of hand and roll on counter or with other hand to form a ball, poke finger through ball of dough and twirl on finger until you have something that looks like a donut.
• I like to make my centers of bagels large to ensure there will be a hole after cooking.
• After forming all 12 bagels into donut like shapes, cover with a tea towel and let sit and rise for about 15 minutes.
• Place as many bagels in the pot of boiling water as you can, mine held 6.
• But make sure each bagel has enough room so they don't touch.
• Turn bagels over while boiling to ensure even cooking.
• Cook for about 2-4 minutes.
• Remove bagels from water and place on lined or sprayed cookie sheet, they won't spread much so leaving about 2 inches between each should be enough.
• Repeat process until all bagels are cooked.
• whisk an egg and pinch of salt together in a bowl (the salt helps break up the egg and makes it easier to brush).
• Brush egg wash on the tops of each bagel.
• Bake for about 15 min at 450F.
• Keep a close eye on bagels, cooking time varies.
• Cook until browned on top.
• Variations:.
• Sprinkle on top sesame seeds, poppy seeds, garlic, onion, salt -- whatever your heart desires.
• You can also add goodies to your dough during the kneading process.
• I added sauteed onion and poppy seeds.
• The bagel turned out a little more flat, but was still very good!