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1
In a small saucepan over medium heat combine the milk, butter, sugar and salt. Stir until the butter has melted.
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2
Remove the pan from the heat and let cool to tepid.
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3
In a large bowl add the yeast and tepid milk mixture and whisk to combine. Let sit 5 minutes for the yeast to proof (foam).
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4
In a small bowl, whisk the egg white until frothy. Stir the egg white into the yeast mixture.
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5
Stir the flour into the yeast mixture to form a dough.
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6
Remove the dough to a floured surface and knead about 5 minutes. WARNING: The dough will be rather stiff, very unlike a typical bread-like dough.
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7
Place the dough back into the bowl, cover and let rise 1 hour (it's actually resting as it won't rise that much).
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8
Bring a large pot of water to a boil over high heat.
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9
Remove the dough from the bowl and cut off a piece big enough to form into a 7-inch rope. Bring the ends of the dough rope around to meet each other and pinch the ends to secure them. Yes, they'll look like an anorexic donut!
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10
Let the bagels rest 5 minutes.
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11
Place, in batches, the bagels into the boiling water for about 4 minutes per side.
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12
Pre-heat oven to 400 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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13
Place the boiled bagels onto the prepared baking sheet.
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14
In a small bowl whisk the egg yolk and the cold water. Brush the egg-wash onto the bagel and top with poppy seeds (or whatever topping you choose).
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15
Place in oven and bake until golden brown.
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16
Remove from oven and let cool on a rack.
