Homemade Bagels

I'm not from New York, I'm not jewish and I'm not suddenly opening a bagelry. No. My decision to learn to make bagels was driven purely by ego and my need to impress my family. A family that loves bagels. I am always cooking different things and enjoy trying new recipes. Yet for one reason or another the kids never like it. This is especially discouraging when I take extra time picking deliciously nutricious, healthy meals. I put love and effort into cooking. Only to be glanced at (noticed I didn't say tasted) and declared inedible by both of the kids. Well maybe they are too fancy of dishes for kids, you may say. No way! For some strange reason our kids will not eat anything containing (or touching) cheese and milk. This makes normally kid friendly foods not an option. Things like maccaroni and cheese, grilled cheese, ice cream and pizza. Yet for some strange reason, cottage cheese and cream cheese are exceptions to this rule. Which brings me back to bagels. The only thing I remember about bagels is that at some point the dough is boiled. After a little bit of research, I discovered that pretty much everyone uses the same recipe. Even with the limited amout of bread cooking experience that I have, it seemed pretty easy. You make the dough the day before and it rests overnight in the fridge, then you boil the dough, top it and bake. This all sounded pretty easy and if I could pull it off not only will the kids eat something I make, they may even enjoy it!! Below are the pics of my results. I have made them twice now. The first time they tasted really good. Although they honestly didn't seem to rise as much as they probably should have and were a little pale in color. The recipe calls for malt powder, but says that it is optional. I used honey instead. The second time I used the malt powder and would definitely recommend it. I feel like the malt powder helped the dough get a better rise and the bagels were a more brown color after baking. It also gave them a more authentic flavor. I would also recommend doing the "float test" to be sure the dough is ready to go into the fridge. Other than those two things the recipe is pretty straight forward and EASY!! I topped them with sesames seeds, craisins cinnamon & sugar, parmesan cheese, jalapeno's and cheddar, and just plain. The second time the entire batch was cinnamon raisin. The bagels were soo yummy!! The kids loved them, Derek loved them, I loved them, my in-laws loved them too. Derek had to finally tell me to quit bragging! :)

Old Baldy!

Renzo's bald spot reminds me of a little prior or monk. Literally every hair in that one spot has rubbed off!

Little Brother

While I was pregnant, we didn't know if I was having a boy or a girl. Rayah would say to me, "Mom, I can't love another brother. I really hope this baby is a girl. I can only love a little sister." Luckily much to our relief, from the moment she saw Renzo in the hospital she was in love!

Rayah is a very caring & nurturing older sister . . . .to Renzo. Anytime I need a burp rag, diaper or binki Rayah is quick to help.

Roman also loves his little brother and loves to give him big hugs and kisses (which are really tight squeezes and spitty cheeks). Every day he gets better at being soft and gentle.

Renzo was grandchild number 5 for my Dad and Dolly. Grandchild number 4, Rowdy, was born just a few weeks earlier. As you can tell, these 2 boys are going to be a handful!!

And Then There Was 3!!

WOW!! 3 kids! I can't believe it. We have been spending our time enjoying, loving, holding, kissing and feeding our new baby boy, the past few months have flown by!

Renzo just turned 14 weeks!! He is a very good baby. He is in constant fascination of his older sister and brother and is never short of receiving attention. He sleeps through the night and is always smiling. We are truely blessed!

Renzo Cash Rowell

8 lbs. 4 oz.

November 12, 2010