Bagels

We pay our older two kids $8 to mow the lawn.  Unless of course, your my twelve year old son who prefers to mow the grass for free because he is being disrespectful and sassy.  While my wallet appreciates the free mowing, I would appreciate respectful teenage children even more.  Can anyone tell me how much that costs???  

I don't believe in physical punishment with my children, but would chucking one of these bagels at my son's head count?  Though.....why should I waste such a delicious baked good?This was only my second attempt at bagels in my lifetime and I really should whip these puppies up more often!  I LOVED the sea salt on top because they reminded me of soft pretzels, especially when you slather them with cream cheese.  This recipe was perfect to make in the morning because you do most of the work the night before and they proof overnight in the fridge.  I'm looking forward to playing around with this recipe with different additions and flavor variations.  I'll post my outcomes!

Bagels

from The New Best Recipe

(makes 8 bagels)

4 C high-gluten flour

2 tsp salt

1 Tb barley malt syrup

1 1/2 tsp yeast

1 1/4 C water (at 80 degrees)

sea salt, optional

cornmeal for dusting the baking sheet

1.  Mix the flour, salt and barley malt in the bowl of a mixer with the dough hook.  Add the yeast and water ; mix at low until it comes together then increase to medium-low until the dough is cohesive, smooth and stiff, 8-10 minutes.

2.  Turn the dough onto counter and divide into 8 equal portions.  Roll into smooth balls and allow to rest, covered, for 5 minutes.

3.  Form each ball into an even rope 11 inches long.  If your dough isn't easy to work with, slightly dampen your hands to roll.  Shape into a circle by overlapping and pinching the ends by about 1 1/2".  Place on a large baking sheet dusted with cornmeal.  Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.

4.  Remove bagels from refrigerator.  Adjust oven rack to middle and preheat oven to 450 degrees.  Bring 3 inches of water to a boil in a large pot.

5.  Working 2 at a time, drop the bagels into the boiling water, stirring and submerging them with a slotted spoon for about 30-35 seconds.  Remove from water and transfer them to a wire rack.  If using, sprinkle on sea salt while still wet.

6.  Transfer the boiled bagels back to the baking sheet and bake until deep golden brown, about 14 minutes.