Although many people have never made bagels from home, and many more assume that it cannot be done, bagels are relatively easy and extremely inexpensive to make. Why buy them when you can make cheaper, fresher bagels in your own kitchen? To make these bagels you will need:

5-5 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour

2 cups warm water (around 110 degrees F)

2 pkgs yeast

2 tbsp honey

2 1/2 tsp salt

3 1/2 quarts water

1/2 cup dried fruit of your choice (optional)

1 tbsp herbs of your choice (optional)

2 tbsp cinnamon/sugar mixture (optional)

Poppy or sesame seeds (optional)

Makes 12 bagels.

First dissolve the yeast in the warm water in a large bowl. Let it sit for 5 minutes, and do not stir it during this time. After that, add the honey and stir. Then add 1 1/2 teaspoons of the salt, 2 cups of the flour, and the dried fruit (if used), mixing well. Then add enough flour to make a soft dough. It will still be sticky.

Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes. The dough should be elastic and smooth (i.e.-it returns to its shape once you punch it in). Form the dough into a ball and place in a greased bowl, turning it over to grease the top. Let the dough rise in a warm (about 85 degrees F), draft-free place until doubled in bulk (around 1 1/2 hours for regular yeast. Rapid rise will take between 30 and 45 minutes).

Once risen, punch the dough down and divide into 12 pieces, rolling each piece into a ball. Poke a hole in the center of each ball, stretching it until it’s around 1- 1 1/2 inches in diameter. Put the bagels on a greased baking sheet and let rise for 15 minutes. Once risen, broil 5 inches away from the burner at 500 degrees F for 2 minutes on each side, or until crust has formed but has not browned.

Place a large pot or Dutch oven on the stove and bring the 3 1/2 quarts of water and the remaining salt to a boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer and let the bagels boil, 4 at a time, for 3-4 minutes on each side. Drain the bagels and sprinkle them with either herbs, cinnamon sugar, poppy seeds, or sesame seeds (if using). Place on a greased baking sheet and bake at 425 degress F for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.

For Whole Wheat Bagels: Replace 2 cups of all-purpose flour with 2 cups of whole wheat flour.

For Rye Bagels: Replace 1 of the 2 cups of all-purpose flour with 1 cup rye flour.

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As you can see, making bagels is by and far cheaper than buying them, and they’re extremely easy to make. Feel free to experiment with toppings or mix-ins, or just leave them plain. Whatever you do, these bagels make a great breakfast, snack, or sandwich base!