The ugliest bagel you'll ever see...

Well, I have no April Fool's jokes for you.  I think life has killed my imagination, as I cannot think of anything funny to fool people with.  But that's ok.  Because today I bring bagels!!

Ugly but tasty.

Fair warning...they are the ugliest bagels ever.  I love to cook, and I'm good at cooking, mostly.  I'm not that great of a baker.  On top of that, the recipe I used is a bit iffy.  It's from Joy of Baking, which I usually consider to be reliable.  But this recipe was just sort of off.  It seemed like far too much flour.  The dough didn't stick to itself, if that makes sense.  They were just awful to roll, and despite kneading and kneading and kneading (for the time it said to knead) it just looked awful.  Some even came apart after I added them to the boiling water.  However, looks don't count for much, as long as the taste is good, right?

Cut in half, ready for some cream cheese!

 They were definitely tasty.  Perfect with a little bit of butter (LOVE Brummel and Brown Yogurt spread), or some cream cheese.  I made four cinnamon and sugar bagels, and four poppy seed bagels.  The directions said to cook for 25-30 minutes, but after 20, I knew it was too long.  It was a perfect "crusty" outside, tender outside.  However, it was a bit more "bready" than I like, though it could because I waited until they were cool to enjoy one, and didn't toast it.

All in all, I don't think they were bad, but I would like to try a different recipe.  And maybe get a dough hook for my Kitchen Aid.  Kneading dough is a bummer!

Recipe:
1 cup plus 2 tbsp warm water (105 to 115 degrees)
1 package active dry yeast
2 ½ tsp plus 1 1/2 tsp plus 1 tbsp sugar
1 tbsp melted butter
1 ¾ tsp plus ½ tsp salt
1 cup plus 3 to 3 ½ cups bread flour
4 quarts boiling water

Direction:
1. Combine the water, yeast, and 2 1/2 tsp sugar. Let the yeast dissolve, about 5 minutes.

2. Add in butter, 1 3/4 tsp salt, 1 1/2 tsp sugar, and 1 cup flour and knead for about 10 minutes. Gradually add in 3 cups flour. Let rest for 15 to 20 minutes.

3. Punch down the dough and divide into 8 equal pieces. Roll each into a rope about 10 inches long. Pinch the ends together into a ring and wet to seal. Let rest for 15 minutes.

4. Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Bring water to boil and add in remaining sugar and salt.

5. Boil each ring, about 4 at a time in the water for 45 seconds.

6. Sprinkle with choice toppings and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, turning after 15 minutes. Bake until golden brown.

Cream cheese tasty