Bunny Bagels

Bunny Bagels Recipe

INGREDIENTS:

METHOD:

For fully detailed step by step photographs of the bagel making process refer to our Easy to Make Bagels recipe. You can make 'bunny bagels' using any of our bagel recipes.

By Hand:

Mix together one third of the flour and all of the yeast in a large bowl.

Add the sugar and salt to the warm water and pour over the flour and yeast mixture along with the egg and oil.

Beat together using an electric mixer on low speed and then switch to high speed for three minutes.

Add as much remaining flour as possible by mixing in with a spoon.

Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead, mixing in remaining flour to make a moderately stiff dough.

Knead for at least 15-20 minutes and then cover and allow to rise for one hour.

Bread Machine:

Put water, oil, and egg into the workbowl of the breadmaker and then add the dry ingredients, ending with the yeast.

Set machine to 'Dough' cycle.

Place dough on a lightly floured board and knead to remove large bubbles in the dough and form into a roll.

Divide into ten or eleven equal portions and then roll each piece into a 14" (35 cm) length.

Bring the ends of the roll together and twist as shown in the photo below, to form the rabbit-ears.

Tuck the ears through the loop at the bottom of your dough and pull them gently up to form the bunny's head as shown.

Place the bagels onto a large floured baking tray, cover with a dry dish-towel and allow to rise until almost doubled in size (about one hour).

Heat approximately one gallon of water, in a large pot with 2 tablespoons of sugar until boiling.

Set aside until after the next step.

Use a wooden spoon handle or your finger to make the eyes.

Preheat the broiler on your oven and place the baking tray about six inches (15 cm) from the element or heat source.

Do not allow to brown - the purpose of this stage is to harden the outer surface of the bagel slightly.

After 2-3 minutes, turn the bagels over and broil the underside lightly.

Preheat oven to 375°F or 190°C with the baking rack in the middle of the oven.

Bring the pot of water back to the boil, add the bagels, two or three at a time to the boiling water and maintain a gentle boil.

Turn them with a large slotted spoon and simmer for about 2 or 3 minutes in total.

Drain and remove the bagels to a baking tray covered with parchment paper or a silicon sheet and bake in two batches for approximately 30 minutes each.

Do not boil the second batch of bagels until the first batch are almost ready to come out of the oven.

(Oh, and if any giant corporation wants to use this idea, I want a cut!)

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