Basic Bagels

Add the ingredients to your bread machine in the order recommended by your machine manufacturer. Set the bread machine to the dough setting, or remove the dough after the first knead cycle finishes.

Place the dough on a floured work surface. Divide the dough into 8 balls. Gently press your thumb through the center of the dough ball and gently work the dough to form a bagel shape. Place the formed bagels on a baking sheet and cover lightly with a towel. Let the bagels rise in a warm, draft-free place for 30 minutes or until doubled in size.

Meanwhile, fill a large pan with 3 quarts of water. Add 1 tablespoon sugar and bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat.

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.

Drop 2-3 bagels into the boiling water and cook for 45 seconds per side. Remove the bagels to a wire rack. Let stand for 1 minute then brush the bagels with beaten egg and sprinkle with any desired toppings such as sesame or poppy seeds, if desired.

Place the bagels on a parchment-lined baking sheet and place in the oven. Bake at 400 degrees F for 15 minutes or until baked through.