stevem.net

Finished bagels on the counter

Made some bagels a week or two ago, and didn’t get a chance to post anything about them until now.  They turned out pretty good – the best so far.  I’ve been using this recipe I found online with a few modifications.  First, I don’t use any cornmeal as I don’t like that taste nor texture.  Second, I use a baking stone for a lot longer than just finishing the bagels.

Also, I don’t usually (except this time) make the bagel shape in the way they suggest – rolling out long strips is not as effective, I’ve found.  I usually start with a round piece of dough, and push my finger through the middle, then make the whole larger by spinning the dough around my finger.  It always has made good consistent bagel shape.

This time around I tried the rolling out strips method and although the bagel hole was bigger, I didn’t like how you could see where the dough connected to itself.  I tried making this as transparent as possible, but it still didn’t turn out exactly the way I wanted.

The texture and chewiness this time around was good – so I am worried the only way to get that is to use the roll out method – I will have to try again soon to see if I can replicate it with the other way.

Regardless, they were good to eat!

steve Food bagels

I’ve been asked by someone to make herb bread for a long time.  I finally found a recipe in The Bread Bible for a cinnamon loaf that had an alternate version for herbs!  And, one of the versions had parsley and chives in it – something we had in the garden at the shack!

It took from noon-9pm to get through the whole operation, but most of it was waiting while things rose/fermented/etc.

It came out pretty good, but I think I would have used more herbs if I had to do it again.  It called for 2/3 cup of both parsley and chives – I think shallots would also have been good.

More pictures in my Flickr Gallery.

steve Food

Made some wheat bread off of the same recipe I made bread last week from. Ended up baking it 10 minutes longer, and with a bit more heat in the oven. Turned out great, but I am always searching for something just a little bit better…

Wheat bread

steve Baking, Food wheat bread

A friend forwarded me a great bread recipie that is awesome and has produced a couple of great loaves so far.  The second batch of dough is already rising and ready for a few more later this week!

Bread

steve Food