B is for Bagels!

It's another beautiful day here in St. Louis.  Yesterday my sister-in-law and I took advantage of the beautiful weather and went to Soulard Farmers Market.  That was my first visit and I can't wait to go back!  We plan on taking a trip back this spring/summer and planning an entire meal around everything we can buy at the Farmers Market.  I am so excited.  Alas, I am sure Old Man Winter will rear his ugly head a few more times before the end.  Oh well, until then, a girl can dream, right?

Guess what I was supposed to be doing while I was gallivanting around at the Farmers Market.  Yep, making bagels.  This morning, I jumped out of bed and started right away on bagel making with a little helper.  I got this recipe from my book "Artisan Bread in Five Minutes A Day".  You totally need to get your own copy!  Until then, here is a link to their blog for the bagel  recipe.

Quickly form the dough into peach size balls and let them rest for 20 minutes

Punch your thumb through the middle and continue to stretch the dough to make the hole bigger

Let simmer for two minutes, flip with a slotted spoon and let simmer for one minute longer

When they are done simmering, remove them and place them on a towel sprinkled with flour. This will help soak up the moisture.

Sprinkle with sesame or poppy seeds

Bake in the oven with steam at 450 for 20 minutes until golden brown

For a special Valentines treat, I bought my hubby some Strawberry Cream Cheese 1/3 less fat.  Why did I mention the 1/3 less fat?  Because he booked a trip to the Bahama's for my Valentine Day gift!  I need that man in good shape for the beach!  Yummy eye candy never did a girl any harm.

Now, go make yourself some bagels!

Ciao and Happy Valentines Day!

Source: Artisan Bread in Five Minutes A Day