Bread Machine Bagels

When I was in college one of my favorite treats was a toasted Asiago cheese bagel w/veggie cream cheese from Einstein's Bros. Unfortunately (or maybe fortunately for my wallet!) we don't have an Einstein's -- or any bagel place for that matter -- around here. So when I came across a recipe for Asiago bagels, I knew I just had to try it. And for my first attempt at homemade bagels they turned out so yummy! My head is already spinning with different toppings I can use. I will never buy bagels again! :)

Ingredients:

• 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons 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
• 1 egg white

Directions:

1. Place water, salt, sugar, flour and yeast in the bread machine pan in the order recommended by the manufacturer. Select Dough setting.
2. When cycle is complete, let dough rest on a lightly floured surface. Cut dough into 9 equal pieces, and roll each piece into a small ball. Flatten balls. Poke a hole in the middle of each with the dowel end of a wooden spoon. Twirl the dough on the dowel to enlarge the hole, and to even out the dough around the hole. Cover bagels with a clean cloth, and let rest for 30 minutes.
3. Meanwhile, in a large pot bring 3 quarts of water to a boil. Stir in 3 tablespoons of sugar. Sprinkle an ungreased baking sheet with cornmeal. 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.
4. Bake in a preheated 375 degree F (190 degrees C) oven for 20 to 25 minutes, until well browned.

Variations:

• For Asiago cheese bagels, add 1/2 cup shredded Asiago during the last portion of the dough cycle and sprinkle with extra cheese after the egg wash.
• For cinnamon raisin bagels, add 1/2 cup raisins and 2 tablespoons cinnamon during the last portion of the dough cycle.
• For blueberry bagels, fold in 1/2 cup blueberries after the dough cycle is finished.
  
• Topping ideas: parmesan cheese, poppy seeds, cinnamon/sugar, garlic salt & onion powder, sesame seeds, etc.