Cinnamon Raisin Bagels

★★★★

Bread

Ingredients

DOUGH:

1 c raisins

1 1/2 c lukewarm water

1/4 c packed light brown sugar

2 tb honey

4 t active dry yeast

1 tb canola oil

2 c whole-wheat flour

1 1/2 t gluten

4 t ground cinnamon

1 1/2 t salt

2 1/4-3 1/4 c bread flour

1 lg egg white, lightly beaten, or milk

KETTLE WATER:

8 qts water

2 tb sugar

1 ts baking soda

Directions

1. Put raisins in a small bowl and add enough boiling water to cover; let stand for 5 minutes. Drain and blot dry with a paper towel.
2. Whisk lukewarm water (can reuse raisin water + fresh cold water), 1/4 cup brown sugar, honey, yeast and oil in a large bowl until the yeast dissolves. Stir in whole-wheat flour, gluten, cinnamon, salt and the raisins. Stir in enough of the bread flour to make a soft dough, about 2 cups.
3. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead, gradually incorporating more flour, until the dough is smooth and quite firm, 10 to 12 minutes. Cover with a clean cloth and let rest for 10 minutes.
4. Divide the dough into 12 pieces. Roll each piece into a 10-inch- long rope. Form bagels by overlapping the ends by 1 inch. Pinch together firmly. Set the bagels aside, uncovered, to rise until slightly puffy, about 20 minutes.
5. To kettle & bake bagels: Preheat oven to 450°F. Line 1 large or 2 small baking sheets with parchment paper. Bring 8 quarts water, 1 tsp baking soda and 2 tablespoons brown sugar to a boil in a large pot.
6. Slip several risen bagels at a time into the pot, the water should be at a lively simmer. Cook for 45 seconds, turn them over with a slotted spoon or tongs and cook for 45 seconds longer. Remove the bagels with a slotted spoon and drain on a clean kitchen towel; place on the prepared baking sheet(s). Brush with egg white.
7. Place the bagels in the oven, reduce heat to 425° and bake for 15 minutes. Turn the bagels over and bake until golden brown, about 5 minutes more.

Rating: 4/5 stars

Source: Eating Well - March/April 1996