Bagels

(Source: Secrets of a Jewish Baker, by George Greenstein)

In a large bowl sprinkle the yeast over the warm water to soften; stir to dissolve. Add the 2 tablespoons malt syrup, oil, 6 cups flour and salt. Mix thoroughly until the dough forms up and comes away fro the sides of the bowl.

Turn out the dough onto a floured work surface and knead, adding small amounts of flour as necessary. Bagel dough should be stiff. Work in as much extra flour as you can comfortably knead. When using bread flour the dough will soften slightly as the gluten develops. Knead until smooth and elastic (12 to 15 minutes). Rising: Roll the dough into a ball, place it in a large oiled bowl, and turn to coat. Cover and let fully rise until an impression made with your finger remains and does not sink into the dough (about 1 hour). Punch down, cut into thirds, and roll each piece between your palms into a rope.

Shaping: Cut each rope into 4 equal pieces and shape into balls. Roll the first ball into a rope 2 inches more than the width of your hand. Flip the rope around your fingers to form a ring, with the ends overlapping about 1/2 inch. Seal the ends by rolling with your palms on a work top. If the dough slides and resists rolling, dab on a drop of water with your fingers.

Evenly space the bagels on 2 nonstick baking pans or very lightly oiled baking sheets. I apply a thin film with my fingers. Cover and let stand until puffy (about 20 minutes).

Boiling: Bagles are boiled before they are baked. While they are proofing, fill a 4-quart saucepan two-thirds full with cold water; add the 1 tablespoon malt syrup and bring to a boil. Have ready pans or dishes contianing poppy seeds, sesame seeds, coarse salt, or other toppings (see note).

When ready to cook the bagels, drop two or three at a time into the boiling water and wait until they rise to the top. Cook for a total of 1 minute, turning once. If they have been proofed too long, they will float instead of sinking but you can continue without too much difference.

Carefully lift out each bagel with a slotted spoon or skimmer. Drain momentarily, then turn them over into the dish of prepared seeds. You may prefer to leave some plain. Evenly space the bagels on 2 baking sheets, topping side up.

Baking: Bake with steam (see note) in a preheated 500F oven until well browned (15 to 20 minutes). Turn them over when the tops begin to brown. Continue baking until done.

Makes 1 dozen large bagels.

Note: (from author) Malt syrup adds gloss and a subtle flavor to the finished bagel. If you can find malt syrup in your supermarket or natural foods store, use it. The toppings for bagels are virtually unlimited. Try poppy seeds, sesame seeds, coarse salt, poppy seeds and coarse salt combined, minced onion flakes, or chopped or granulated garlic.

To bake with steam: Place an empty roasting pan or other heavy pan on the floor of the oven 5 to 10 minutes before baking, so it gets hot. When ready to bake, place the bread/bagels in the oven and carefully toss six to eight ice cubes into the hot pan, or pour in 1 cup boiling water and immediately close the oven door.

Note: (from Peggy M.) I use high-gluten flour instead of the bread flour for this recipe. It can be purchased through several flour companies -
I get it from King Arthur's Baking Catalog.

I also use 1 TABLESPOON of yeast, rather than the amount he calls for. It is the amount called for in another bagel recipe I used to make, and I've found it works better in this one, as well.

Also, I use malt powder and corn syrup in place of the malt syrup. Both malt powder and malt syrup are available through catalogs, again I order it through King Arthur's Baking Catalog.