What I learned, homemade bagels edition
Happy homemade bagels!
As I dive into the world that is clean eating and working to make what you eat with love and intention, I’ve taken to making my own bread. It’s simple, rewarding, and allows you to appreciate the work, time, and thought that goes into our plates.
yesterday, I chose to challenge bagels, something I hadn’t made before. They are a hit within the household! I thought I would share the changes I would make in he next time I prepare them so people can avoid the mistakes I made!
• make sure you have the time necessary to complete the task. When preparing the bagels I underestimated the time I had. Always give yourself an extra hour between the finish time and your next event. It allows for extra baking time, attention, and care. I was rushing to meet a time limit, which unfortunately meant less time for browning in the tops.
• Allow yourself to be creative. Sometimes a written recipe can confine the choices we make while cooking. It is your creation! Which means you can tailor it to you and your households needs. For me, I chose to add in nutritional yeast for a more vitamin rich bagel, but you could also add in seeds, spices, etc for an extra nutritional boost!
• set a stopwatch timer when boiling. I found the easiest way to time the bagels when blanching them was when I had a stopwatch, and could
Press the “lapse” button when flipping and changing them out. It made it much more orderly when doing my second batch.
• and finally, give yourself grace. It may not look like the reference picture, or have odd and ends that are almost unexplainable, But that’s okay. Perfection isn’t what we should strive for, it’s instead the experience, and joy of consuming something made from our own hands. Have fun, laugh at the errors, and embrace that the real world won’t model media. As long as there is love perfection isn’t necessary
#homemadebagels #homemade bread #breadforbeginners #breadisnotbad #baking
Making homemade bagels can be a delightful and fulfilling experience that enriches your culinary skills. To start your bagel-making journey, it's crucial to gather all ingredients well in advance, ensuring you have everything you need, including high-quality flour and yeast. Many recipes suggest incorporating natural flavorings like herbs or spices to elevate the taste and cater to your personal preferences. One of the key factors for achieving perfect bagels is the boiling stage, which is essential for creating that iconic chewy texture. When boiling, use a timer to manage each side properly; this ensures consistency across your bagels. If you're looking to make your bagels stand out, consider experimenting with toppings such as sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or even everything bagel seasoning. Remember that baking is not just about precision; it's also an opportunity for creative expression. Don't be afraid to make modifications to the recipe, such as adjusting the hydration levels, which can lead to different textures. As you experiment, keep a baking journal to note what worked well and what didn't; this will serve as a valuable reference for your future baking endeavors. Lastly, embrace the imperfections that come with homemade baking. Each bagel you create tells a story, and the joy lies in the process rather than just the final product. Remember, with practice and patience, perfecting homemade bagels is entirely within your reach!