Inspired by the Great British Bake Off I wanted to make bagels and at the end of my first week surrounded by cake, it was the perfect time to make something savoury! I used a recipe for regular bagels from the BBC Good Food website but apparently failed to read any of the instructions and just through everything in a bowl together. I also added poppy seeds and cracked black pepper to the dough.
Despite this slight mishap which resulted in considerably more sugar being added that the recipe called for, the bagels were fairly easy to make. the most difficult part was getting a pretty shape - enough of a hole so that it wouldn't disappear when baking, a nice ciecle and smooth surface. Needless to say I didn't wholly succeed and they certianly wren't uniform. I used the 'lassoo-ing it around your finger' method of making the hole and although this was fairly effective, I struggled to get the hole in the centre of my bagels.
Before baking I sprinkled with more poppy seeds, cracked black pepper and sea salt. This added to both the taste and appearance once baked. I must admit thsat overall I was very pleased with the bagels although next time I will baked them at a lower temperature. The recipe said 220°C and as I have a fan oven I set it to 200°C but they still cooked very quickly and were darker than I would have liked so next time I think I'll try 180°C.
Most of the poppy seed bagels I saw when searching for recipes only has them sprinkled on top but I think that including them in the actual dough gives them a lot more flavour. I have tried them on their own as a snack, with honey for breakfast and with cream cheese for lunch (as an experiment you understand - it is one of the chores of baking!). All variations were tasty and I will definitely be making bagels again soon!
I am entering these into the Alphabakes challenge hosted by Caroline Makes and The more than occasional baker. Caroline is hosting September's challenge and will post a round up on her blog at the end of the month so check it out :)
these look stunning! I was really inspired by GBBO too! I'm going to have to have a go at these!
ReplyDeleteI've never made bagels before, glad to hear you say they are relatively easy to do! They look really tasty - thanks for sharing with Alphabakes!
ReplyDeleteThanks, I love Alphabakes and try to enter when I get the chance. Definitely give them a go - they may be a bit higgledy-piggledy but they are tasty and easy :)
DeleteThey look good! You should enter them into my Bake Off Challenge for Bake Off inspired bakes! http://lottiesworldofcakesandbakes.eu/a-great-british-bake-off-blog-challenge/
ReplyDeleteThanks Lottie and great challenge - I'll definitely enter :)
DeleteYummy! You just reminded me that it has been ages since I had a nice bagel! I'm gonna get myself some for breakfast - I don't think I can bake them though - good job!!
ReplyDelete(I found your blog via Alphabakes - it is really nice) :)