Bagels

Method

1. Sift the flour and salt into a large mixing bowl, then add the yeast and mix well.

2. Measure the water in a measuring jug then stir in the honey and oil.

3. Make a well in the centre of the flour and pour the liquid in gradually, bringing the dough together with your hands.

4. Turn the dough out onto a clean, dry and floured work surface. Start kneading the dough, stretching it away with the palm of one hand and folding it back again with the other, for about ten minutes, adding more flour if the dough becomes too sticky. Continue kneading until the dough is firm and elastic.

5. Shape the dough into a large ball and p into a lightly oiled large bowl and turn in the oil to coat. Cover with cling film or a plastic bag and put in a warm, dry place for 1–3 hours or until the dough is doubled in size.

6. When the dough is nearly ready – doubled in volume – bring a large saucepan of water to the boil and add the treacle or molasses. Cover and turn off the heat.

7. Lightly oil two baking trays and sprinkle with maize or cornmeal. Remove the dough from the bowl, then punch it down and knead it briefly. Roll it into a rough sausage shape and divide into seven equal chunks. As you work with one chunk, keep the others covered with a clean tea towel.

8. Firmly roll out each chunk into a long log, then bring the ends together and seal with a splash of water and squeeze the ends together. and sealing the ends together with a tiny splash of water and squeezing it. Place on the prepared baking trays and repeat with the rest of the dough.

9. Cover and allow to stand for a further 10–20 minutes.

10. Preheat the oven to 220C/Gas 7.

11. Bring the saucepan of molasses and water back to a gentle simmer. Gently drop each bagel into the water (do this in batches of no more than three at a time) and turn over after 1-2 minutes. Simmer for another 1-2 minutes, then remove the bagels from the water, and drain.

12. Place the bagels on the prepared baking trays, spacing them widely apart. Brush the tops with the beaten egg and sprinkle with sesame seeds, sea salt, poppy seeds or a savoury topping of your choice, and bake in the oven for 15 minutes, or until golden brown, then turn them upside down for a further ten minutes to cook the bases. Transfer onto a wire rack to cool before serving.