Homemade Bagels

I watched a show on The Food Network and they were featuring a restaurant that made bagels. I thought it might be fun to try making some so after searching around for a good recipe I found this one that didn't look too difficult. I was suprised at how easy making bagels ended up being. Brandon said I was only allowed to eat the cheese ones and the cinnamon and sugar bagels were for him. (Unfortunately I found this recipe in 2008 and didn't write down where it was acquired from. I will keep searching so I can give credit where credit is due. But I just had to add this one to the blog because they were that good!)

INGREDIENTS
1 cup warm water (110 degrees F/45 degrees C)
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
2 tablespoons white sugar
3 cups bread flour
2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
3 quarts boiling water
3 tablespoons white sugar
1 tablespoon cornmeal or parchment paper
1 egg white

DIRECTIONS
Place water, salt, sugar, flour and yeast in the bread machine pan in the order recommended by the manufacturer. Select Dough setting.

When cycle is complete, let dough rest for a few minutes on a lightly floured surface. Cut dough into 6 equal pieces, and roll each piece into a small ball. Poke a hole in the middle of each with your thumb. Twirl the dough on your finger or thumb to enlarge the hole, and to even out the dough around the hole. Cover bagels with a clean cloth, and let rest for 1 hour. Sprinkle an ungreased baking sheet with cornmeal.(I used parchment paper instead of cornmeal)

In a large pot bring 3 quarts of water to a boil. Stir in 3 tablespoons of sugar. Carefully transfer bagels to boiling water. Boil for 1 minute, turning half way through. Drain briefly on clean towel. Arrange boiled bagels on baking sheet. Glaze tops with egg white, and sprinkle with your choice of toppings.

Bake in a preheated 375 degree F (190 degrees C) oven for 20 to 25 minutes, until well browned.