Best Ever Bagels

Ingredients:

6 2/3 cups white bread flour;

1 tbsp instant yeast;

1 tbsp salt;

2 tbsp sugar;

1 tbsp oil;

2 1/4 cups warm water.

Preparation:

Combine flour, salt and yeast in a mixer bowl( I use my Kitchenaid stand mixer here to do the heavy work of kneading). Add sugar and oil to the water and pour over the dry ingredients. Knead well for about 5-6 minutes using the kneading attachment on you mixer. Form into a ball and put into an oiled bowl turning once to coat dough. Cover with plastic and let rise one hour or until doubled. ( I usually preheat my oven for a minute until it is nice and cozy:)... turn off the oven and let the dough rise in the oven free from drafts).

Punch dough down and form into an elongated shape and cut into approximately 15 pieces. Form each piece into a ball and then poke hole in the middle and stretch out a bit so that it has place to rise and still see the hole after it has risen. Let rise 20-25 minutes. In a large pot boil about 6-8 cups of water and add 5 tsp baking soda along with 2 TBS sugar. Bring to boil and boil 2- 3 bagels at a time for about a minute on the top side of the bagel . I usually do not turn the bagel to boil on the underside as I noticed that it can get too soggy. Lift each bagel with a slotted spatula and drain all the water. Place on an oiled cookie sheet (bottom side down) or on a parchment lined cookie sheet ( I prefer the parchment as it makes the cleaning easier. Brush the bagels with a beaten egg and sprinkle your favorite toppings. Preheat oven to 375, place in middle rack, and bake for about 20 minutes or until nicely browned.

Tips for toppings: Dried onion flakes, sesame seeds, poppy seeds, sunflower seeds, grated Parmesan, Swiss, cheddar cheese.