Home-Made Bagels!!

Dude this is so easy I can't even believe it. The bagels turn out perfectly - crispy on the outside, soft and chewy on the inside.

Ingredients:

2 cups all-purpose flour

2/3 cup warm water

1 1/2 tbsp yeast

1/2 tbsp sugar

1/2 tbsp vegetable oil

3/4 tsp salt

EXTRA STUFFS:

I threw in a palm-full of chopped fresh basil and chopped sun-dried tomatoes

you can also do cinnamon powder and raisins

walnuts and dried cranberries

dried blueberries

chocolate chips

jalapeno and cheddar or asiago cheese

chopped toasted onions, garlic

various herbs

Add the sugar and yeast to the warm water and let sit for about 3-5 minutes.

In a large mixing bowl, add the flour, salt and vegetable oil and when the yeast mixture starts to foam add that in too. Mix together with your hands or a stand mixer to form a tough elasticky dough. You'll probably need more water so just a tiny bit at a time.

NOTE: Throw in the extra flavoring stuffs while your mixing the dough together.

Cover and let rise in a warm place until it has doubled in size. I put mine in the oven after turning it on for a few minutes and turning it off. It took about 30 minutes. Turn it out onto a floured surface and knead well. Cut into 6 portions and form each one into a long thin snake-like rope. Wet each end of the rope and either form into a ring or into a twist (I did the twist like at Dunkin Donuts) Make sure the rope is long because it'll rise more. Place the formed bagels onto a floured surface and allow to rise for another 30 minutes or so.

Mean while, heat a pot of water to boiling. Add a bit of salt and sugar to the water. Carefully place 2 bagels a time into the water and cook on both sides for a minute each side. Place them onto a paper towel to soak the excess water. Place the boiled bagels on a lightly greased baking tray and bake for 18 minutes at 425 turning over after 10 minutes. If you want to sprinkle on top cheese or poppy seeds or garlic or onions or whatever, add it here. Done!