I make bagels in my bread machine with help from my young grandchildren; they poke the holes and sling the bagels around their fingers to enlarge them to the proper size. Great fun! We prefer boiled to steamed, but I do the boiling in a stockpot and remove the bagels with a spider. It is safer around young children than a flat pan which might be tipped over. I have not used a starter before, but instead mix the dough the night before and put it in the fridge overnight for a slow rise. While I have my coffee the dough warms and is ready for the children when they are awake. I'll try this method the next time they visit. Thanks for all the inspiration!

• Reply