Bagel Me!

Since it's no secret how much I love Starbucks and bread, it should come as no surprise that I discovered Starbucks freshly toasted bagels with cream cheese and it's since become a slight obsession. It's something so simple yet sooo good. I don't know if it's just that someone else is preparing it, but once I get a whiff of that fresh and warm goodness, it's all over. Crisp on the outside, chewy in the middle and toasty on the edges, bagels just speak to me. Now, I have a major sweet tooth as well so the humble bagel sat on the back burner for a while, being ignored in favor of coffee cakes, scones, and the like. And now I have harder decisions to make. Try the Cranberry Bliss Bar or just stick with the bagel? On my birthday, I enjoyed one of these bad boys and of course, it got me thinking...could I, should I, try to make bagels at home?? Is that just too crazy? Maybe. But I tried anyway. At five a.m. one morning when my family was all still asleep. I recommend tackling this recipe when you actually have time for it, not on a school day when you'll be scrambling because you need at least two hours, thanks to that darned yeast. So finicky, won't let you take any shortcuts! So here's the recipe I tried and I have a few tips for you so yours will turn out better than mine:
- Don't allow the dough to rise on the oven..I thought this was a great idea until I realized the high heat almost melted the dough, making it really sticky.
- Boil for at least two minutes on each side. Don't rush this step or the bagels will disintegrate into the water.
- Again, allow enough time for the dough to rise both times.
- Be sure to have an abundance of fun toppings such as cream cheese, butter and jams, if you can wait long enough to slice and top them. Not speaking from experience or anything, but you just might be tempted to inhale them straight from the oven, burning your hands in the process. Enjoy!!!


http://www.pinterest.com/pin/86412886573821096/