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1
In a bowl add 2 tablespoons of yeast, 1 tablespoon of sugar and 1 1/2 cups of warm water.
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2
Stir mixture to help mix any clumps of yeast.
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3
Let mixture foam, about 10 minutes.
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4
Stir 4 cups flour and 1 tablespoon of salt gradually into yeast mixture.
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5
Mix until mixture becomes one large ball of dough.
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6
Kneed on lightly floured surface until dough has the constancy of a baby's bottom when you press a few fingers into it (I though this sounded odd, but it's the best way to describe the consistency).
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7
Place dough in bowl at least twice it's size, cover the bowl with a tea towel and place someplace warm or without a draft.
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8
Let dough rise until doubled, about 1 hour.
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9
Fill a large pot with water to boil (stock pot).
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10
Add 2 T sugar and 1 T salt to water.
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11
Punch down dough and form into a long narrow piece of dough (maybe 15x5 inches).
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12
Cut dough into 12 pieces.
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13
Take dough in palm of hand and roll on counter or with other hand to form a ball, poke finger through ball of dough and twirl on finger until you have something that looks like a donut.
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14
I like to make my centers of bagels large to ensure there will be a hole after cooking.
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15
After forming all 12 bagels into donut like shapes, cover with a tea towel and let sit and rise for about 15 minutes.
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16
Place as many bagels in the pot of boiling water as you can, mine held 6.
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17
But make sure each bagel has enough room so they don't touch.
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18
Turn bagels over while boiling to ensure even cooking.
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19
Cook for about 2-4 minutes.
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20
Remove bagels from water and place on lined or sprayed cookie sheet, they won't spread much so leaving about 2 inches between each should be enough.
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21
Repeat process until all bagels are cooked.
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22
whisk an egg and pinch of salt together in a bowl (the salt helps break up the egg and makes it easier to brush).
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23
Brush egg wash on the tops of each bagel.
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24
Bake for about 15 min at 450F.
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25
Keep a close eye on bagels, cooking time varies.
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26
Cook until browned on top.
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27
Variations:.
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28
Sprinkle on top sesame seeds, poppy seeds, garlic, onion, salt -- whatever your heart desires.
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29
You can also add goodies to your dough during the kneading process.
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30
I added sauteed onion and poppy seeds.
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31
The bagel turned out a little more flat, but was still very good!
