Sesame Seed Bagels

Bagel /ˈbeɪɡ(ə)l/ noun A leavened, doughnut-shaped, firm textured roll, with a brownish glazed surface, made of dough first poached and then baked.

Ingredients:

• 2 tsp of active dry yeast
• 1 1/2 tbsp of caster sugar
• 1 1/2 cups of luke warm water
• 3 1/2 cups of bread flour (plus extra for kneading)
• 1 1/2 tsp of salt
• 1/2 tsp bicarbonate soda
• 1 egg yolk
• 1 tbsp of milk
• Sesame seeds

Method:

1. Pour the sugar and yeast into half a cup of the luke warm water. Stir for 5-10 minutes until dissolved.
2. In a large bowl mix the flour and the salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the yeast and sugar mixture. Mix together and continue adding the remaining luke warm water until you reach the desired consistency (a moist and firm dough).
3. On a lightly floured counter top, knead the dough for 10-15 minutes until it is smooth and elastic. 
4. Lightly brush a large bowl with oil and place the dough in the bowl. Cover the bowl with a damp dish towel and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour, until the dough has doubled in size. Punch the dough down (literally), and let it rest for another 10 minutes.
5. Carefully divide the dough into 8 pieces and shape each piece into a ball. Coat a finger in flour, and gently press your finger into the center of each ball to form a ring. Stretch the ring to about a third of the diameter of the bagel and placed on a lightly oiled tray. Repeat with the remaining dough balls. Cover them with a damp towel and allow to rest for 30 minutes.
6. Preheat your oven to 220⁰.
7. Bring a large pot of water to a boil and reduce heat to a simmer. Add the bicarbonate soda. Using a slotted spoon, lower the bagels into the water (3 to 4 at a time). Let the bagels sit there for 1 minutes, and then flip them over to boil for another minute. Once all of the bagels have been boiled return them to the lightly oiled tray.
8. Whisk together the egg yolk and milk and brush the top of the bagels with the mixture. Sprinkle the bagels with sesame seeds (poppy seeds, garlic, onion, or salt also works). 
9. Bake for 20 minutes (turning the tray once) until golden brown.
10. Cool on a wire rack and serve with your choice of fillings, or eat them plain.