New York-Style Bagels

In Water (1 1/2 cups), pour in the Granulated Sugar (4 tsp) and Active Dry Yeast (2 tsp). Do not stir. Let it sit for 5 minutes, and then stir the yeast and sugar mixture, until it all dissolves in the water.

Mix the Bread Flour (3 1/2 cups) and Salt (2 tsp) in a large bowl. Make a well in the middle and pour in the yeast and sugar mixture. Pour 1/3 cup of the remaining warm water into the well. Mix and stir in the rest of the water as needed.

On a floured countertop, knead the dough for about 10 minutes until it is smooth and elastic. Try working in as much flour as possible to form a firm and stiff dough.

Lightly brush a large bowl with oil and turn the dough to coat. Cover the bowl with a damp dish towel. Let rise in a warm place for 1 hour, until the dough has doubled in size. Punch the dough down, and let it rest for another 10 minutes.

Carefully divide the dough into 8 pieces. Shape each piece into a round.

Now, take a dough ball, and press it gently against the countertop (or whatever work surface you’re using) moving your hand and the ball in a circular motion pulling the dough into itself while reducing the pressure on top of the dough slightly until a perfect dough ball forms.

Coat a finger in flour, and gently press your finger into the center of each dough ball to form a ring. Stretch the ring to about 1/3 the diameter of the bagel and place on a lightly oiled cookie sheet.

After shaping the dough rounds and placing them on the cookie sheet, cover with a damp kitchen towel and allow to rest for 10 minutes.

Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C ).

Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Reduce the heat. Use a slotted spoon or skimmer to lower the bagels into the water. Boil as many as you are comfortable with boiling. Once the bagels are in, it shouldn’t take too long for them to float to the top (a couple seconds). Let them sit there for 1 minute, and them flip them over to boil for another minute.

Once all the bagels have boiled and have been topped with the Sesame Seeds (to taste) or Poppy Seeds (to taste), transfer them to a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Bake for 20 minutes, until golden brown.

Let cool on a wire rack. Slice and spread on some softened butter or your favorite cream cheese.