Christmas Morning Bagels

This is what my family always wants for Christmas Morning brunch.

Bagels (adapted from two recipes I have)

2 cups warm water
1 pkg yeast
3 tbsp sugar
1 tsp salt
5-6 cups flour
1 tsp Karo syrup
Egg white wash
Flavorings for top: dried onion, poppy seed, sesame seed, garlic powder, salt, etc.

Note: we like savory “everything bagels” with all the above toppings mixed together. For cinnamon raisin bagels, add some cinnamon, raisins, (and sugar?) to the dough.

Dissolve yeast in water, add sugar and salt. Work in enough flour to make a rather stiff dough. Cover with plastic wrap and let dough rise until doubled.

Bring a large pot of water to boil and add 1 teaspoon Karo syrup. Grease a cookie sheet or line it with parchment paper. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

Punch the dough down and divide into 12 (or 16?) equal balls. Poke your finger into each and quickly form it into a bagel shape. It doesn’t have to look that great.  Drop each bagel one at a time into the boiling water for about 15 seconds or until it floats to the top, then take it out and place it on the cookie sheet. When the cookie sheet is full, brush with egg white wash and sprinkle on desired toppings. Bake for about 20 minutes or until nicely browned.