Cinnamon-Raisin Bagels
Contributed by Randall Hoyt

Makes 12 three-ounce bagels.
Start to finish: 1 1/2 hours

Ingredients for Bagels

  • 1 cup raisins
  • 1 1/2 cups lukewarm water
  • 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 4 teaspoons active dry yeast
  • 1 tablespoon canola oil
  • 1 1/4 cups whole-wheat flour, or white whole-wheat flour
  • 4 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1 tablespoon kosher salt
  • 3-4 cups bread flour
  • 1 large egg white, lightly beaten

Ingredients for Kettle Water

  • 6 quarts water
  • 2 tablespoons packed light brown sugar

Preparation

  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, 1/4 cup brown sugar, honey, yeast and oil in a large bowl until the yeast dissolves. Stir in whole-wheat flour, cinnamon, salt and the raisins. Stir in enough of the bread flour to make a soft dough, about 21/2 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 degrees farenhi. Line 1 large or 2 small baking sheets with parchment paper. Bring 6 quarts water 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 degrees and bake for 15 minutes. Turn the bagels over and bake until golden brown, about 5 minutes more.