Bagels

This is what I make when I really want maximum Domestic Goddess effect.  This is cupboard love, but I'm completely fine with this.  Guaranteed results and to see the smile spread over loved ones faces is indeed payment.

Homemade bagels are far from uniform but they taste better than any other bagel.   There is a fair amount of work, albeit in different stages, but don't be put off, the rewards are well worth it.

Here is Nigella's recipe, from the excellent How To Be A Domestic Goddess....

• 1Kg Strong White Flour
• 2 tsp Doves Farm organic yeast granules
• 1 Tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 Tbsp salt
• 500ml warm water
• 1 Tbsp sugar
• 2 Tbsp sugar for the water

Method

1. Combine the flour with the yeast, salt and sugar
2. Add the oil and mix well.
3. Add the water slowly until you have an elastic dough and kneed for 10 minutes.
4. Leave to prove for an hour, until doubled in size.
5. Punch down the down and kneed for a minute.
6. Divide the dough into 3 sections and roll each into a rope and sub-divide each rope into 5 bagels by joining the two ends. (I don't stand on too much ceremony here, it's not the point).  Allow the bagels to prove again for about 40 minutes.
7. Boil a pan of water with 2  Tbsp of sugar
8. When the  water has come to the boil, poach 3 bagels at a time for about a minute. Fish out the bagel and leave to drain on a tea towel.
9. Preheat the oven to 220C.
10. Place the bagels on a baking tray and bake for about 10 minutes, until golden brown.
11. Cool on a tray.